SGB for Long COVID
Individuals who get coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recover within a few weeks. But some might have symptoms that last a long time afterward. These ongoing clinical symptoms are sometimes called post-COVID-19 syndrome, post-COVID conditions, long COVID-19, long-haul COVID-19, and post acute sequelae of SARS COV-2 infection (PASC).
Research shows that between 1 month and 1 year after having COVID-19, 1 in 5 people ages 18 to 64 has at least one medical condition that might be due to COVID-19. Among people age 65 and older, 1 in 4 has at least one medical condition that might be due to COVID-19.
Most commonly reported symptoms of Long COVID syndrome include:
Other possible symptoms include:
As physicians and medical community continue to try new treatments for long COVID, there has been some hope after use of Stellate Ganglion Blocks to help with symptoms of Long COVID including “lack of smell/taste” “headache”, “brain fog”etc. These are the current studies that have shown some promise in managing long COVID symptoms. (Study 1) (Study 2) (Study 3)
Current scientific evidence recommends two injections, one on the right and other on the left side. Usually on separate days.
0.5% ropivacaine
A recent study (reference) showed no significant difference when SGB was performed at C6 only Vs at C4 & C6. Also, 80% of the population the, inferior cervical ganglion (located at C6 (NOT C4) is fused with the first thoracic ganglion, forming the cervico-thoracic ganglion AKA Stellate Ganglion. We routinely perform at C6, as anatomically stellate ganglion is located at C6, C7 & T1 and it only involves one injection. If a patient would like to have it done at C4 & C6 we can to do TWO injections.
No
Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID is no covered by insurance.
Our fees:
Unlike other physicians who use fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, Dr. Kalava performs Stellate Ganglion Block under direct ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound nerve blocks are much safer than X-ray guided blocks and also have ZERO radiation to the patient. Not only does Dr. Kalava perform these blocks, he also teaches other physicians via his educational company www.UltrasoundExperts.org.
Scientific Articles on efficacy of SGB and COVID-19 lack of smell and taste by Dr. Kalava 😍: 👉Link
Ketamine is an anesthetic medication. It is a schedule 3 dissociative anesthetic, which has shown promising antidepressant effects that are both rapid and robust. It has been safely used for years as the ideal anesthetic in hospital and medical settings. When used under medical supervision, studies have shown ketamine infusions to have significant effects in healing treatment-resistant depression. It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines because of its safety and efficacy for anesthesia.
More recently, ketamine has been discovered as a safe and effective treatment for depression, and randomized controlled trials have shown rapid improvement in mood as well as reduction in suicidality compared to people who receive a placebo or another drug. Ketamine has the ability to go to work right away, unlike most antidepressants, which take weeks, sometimes months, to provide relief.
Ketamine infusion therapy is an IV procedure performed in-office by Dr. Kalava. Dr. Kalava & his associates will monitor your response and level of consciousness throughout the infusion.
Please contact our office to discuss Ketamine Infusion Therapy, and see if it is right for you.
The most important factors when choosing a ketamine provider are the doctor’s experience and commitment to providing safe, compassionate care. Dr. Kalava is the nation’s leading practitioner of ketamine infusion therapy and is a recognized expert in the field of anesthesiology.
[Scientific articles on Ketamine published by Dr. Kalava: Article 1 & Article 2 ]
Every patient is unique and deserves special care. Whether determining dose, infusion duration, the number of initial infusions, or the interval between return visits, we make individual assessments and structure ketamine treatments to match each patient’s response and unique needs.
Low dose ketamine is administered by Dr. Kalava, who is a Double Board Certified, Mayo Clinic fellowship trained Anesthesiologist. Ketamine, as we know, is an anesthetic and is best administered under the constant vigilance of a qualified anesthesiologist.
Depending on the medical condition being treated, IV ketamine can be administered over 1 minute, 40 minutes, one hour, or 4 hours. The actual type of treatment will be discussed with you during your initial consultation. The number of infusions and duration of ketamine therapy varies and is individualized. An average of 6-8 treatments are required for a good clinical response.
Mild psychotomimetic (confusion, hallucinations) effects, increase in heart rate, blood pressure, mild headache, and nausea are possible in some patients and are usually well tolerated.
