The pandemic may be over, but many people are still dealing with the effects of long COVID. Specifically, many are struggling to regain their sense of smell and taste. Now a numbing procedure is being introduced as a possible cure.
Stellate ganglion block is a local anesthetic similar to one a dentist would administer before filling a cavity. It is injected into both sides of the person’s neck into a bundle of nerves called the stellate ganglion. The nerves are part of the sympathetic nervous system which controls automatic bodily functions like digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Some experts are skeptical of the treatment as the stellate ganglion is not involved in a person’s sense of smell. However, others have seen considerable improvements in people whose sense of taste and smell has been reduced or altered by COVID.
Does it Work?
Stellate ganglion block has produced some measure of success. Dr. Christina Shin, a physician specializing in pain management at Cleveland Clinic, has treated about 30 long COVID patients dealing with a smell disorder. She estimates that about half see an improvement of 25% to 90%.
A small study of 20 patients revealed that 10 participants experienced a slight to moderate improvement after using the therapy.
However, experts are cautious because they are unsure of how it works.
Some say it may increase blood flow to the brain. Others say it acts as a “reset button” for the sympathetic nervous system.
Other experts say it doesn’t work at all. “There is no scientific evidence that this is effective,” says Dr. Justin Turner, an associate professor in the Department of otolaryngology- head and neck surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN.
“Given the lack of data suggesting efficacy, it’s really hard to advocate for this for patients who have a problem that typically resolves with time,” he explained.
Most patients recover from olfactory issues due to stem cells in the nasal cavity regenerating over time. Therefore, it’s difficult to determine if the treatment is responsible for the restoration of the senses.
The Risks of Stellate Ganglion Block
Stellate ganglion block comes with its share of risks. If it’s inserted incorrectly, it could disrupt the vocal cords and cause difficulty breathing.
Many patients are also overcharged for the therapy. Some doctors charge patients thousands of dollars when it should only cost $500 per block.
Other Possible Treatments
Other methods can be used to restore the sense of smell. One is the injection of platelet-rich plasma into the nasal cavity. It is said to help olfactory neurons form correctly.
A small study looked at 26 participants revealing those who got the plasma injection were 12 times more likely to see improvements in their sense of smell as compared to those who got placebo shots.
Another popular treatment involves patients sniffing four herbal scents twice a day for at least three months. It has shown promise in some clinical trials.