Which is NOT a potential complication of a stellate ganglion block?

Which is NOT a potential complication of a stellate ganglion block?

• A. Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis
• B. Subarachnoid block
• C. Brachial plexus block
• D. Increased heart rate

Answer: (D)

Stellate ganglion block works by stopping sympathetic nerve flow to the head, neck, and upper limb. Because of the nearby structures, several complications can arise if the needle or the anesthetic spreads or injures something it’s close to. Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis can occur when the local anesthetic affects the nerve that lies near the block site, leading to hoarseness. Accidental entry of the drug into the subarachnoid space can produce a high neuraxial (subarachnoid) block with potential respiratory effects. Diffusion toward the brachial plexus can cause a partial brachial plexus block, affecting the shoulder and upper limb. Increased heart rate, on the other hand, is not a typical direct complication of a stellate ganglion block; the block lowers sympathetic tone and can even cause bradycardia or hypotension if high, rather than causing tachycardia.

Stellate ganglion block works by stopping sympathetic nerve flow to the head, neck, and upper limb. Because of the nearby structures, several complications can arise if the needle or the anesthetic spreads or injures something it’s close to. Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis can occur when the local anesthetic affects the nerve that lies near the block site, leading to hoarseness. Accidental entry of the drug into the subarachnoid space can produce a high neuraxial (subarachnoid) block with potential respiratory effects. Diffusion toward the brachial plexus can cause a partial brachial plexus block, affecting the shoulder and upper limb. Increased heart rate, on the other hand, is not a typical direct complication of a stellate ganglion block; the block lowers sympathetic tone and can even cause bradycardia or hypotension if high, rather than causing tachycardia.