The changes of heart rate variability after unilateral stellate ganglion block.
BACKGROUND
The effect of the unilateral stellate ganglion block (SGB) on cardiovascular regulation remains controversial. We wished to evaluate the changes in heart rate variability (HRV) after a unilateral stellate ganglion block in patients with head and neck pain in the present study.


METHODS
Patients with head and neck pain (n = 89) were studied. HRV was determined before and after a C6 unilateral stellate ganglion block (right-sided SGB, 40; left-sided SGB, 49) using a paratracheal technique with 1% mepivacaine (6 ml).


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in HRV indices before and after right-sided SGB. The log scale of power in the high frequency range (lnHF) was increased and ratio of power in the low frequency range (LF) to power in the high frequency range (HF) ratio was decreased after left-sided SGB.


CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrated that left-sided SGB increased parasympathetic activities in patients with head and neck pain.
Kim
Jang Jae
JJ
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Ewha Womans University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Chung
Rack Kyung
RK
Lee
Hee Seung
HS
Han
Jong In
JI