Real-Time Ultrasound-Guided Stellate Ganglion Block for Migraine: An Observational Study
Abstract Objective. To observe whether ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) can effectively relieve migraine pain and improve the quality of migraine patients’ life.Methods. 81 patients with migraines were enrolled in this trial. The patients received SGB with 6 ml of 0.15% ropivacaine once every week for four times. Migraine was assessed with the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) at baseline and three-months follow-up (Tm). The numerical rating scale (NRS) score at baseline, one day after treatment (Td) and Tm, the frequency of analgesic use in 3 months and the side effects were also recorded at the same time.Results. The NRS score of migraine subjects decreased significantly from 7.0 (2.0) to 3.0 (1.0) at Td and 2.0 (2.0) at Tm (vs baseline, P<0.01). The MIDAS total scores were 14.0 (10.5) at baseline and 7.0 (4.5) at Tm (P<0.001). During the three months, the frequency of analgesic consumption was decreased from 6.2 ± 2.8 to 1.9±1.8. There were no serious side effects. Conclusions. This study confirmed that ultrasound-guided SGB is an effective method to treat migraines. This technique can reduce pain and disability and then improve the quality of life of patients with migraines.