Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block on ME/CFS (SGB_ME)
Encephalomyelitis, Myalgic, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Disorder
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Encephalomyelitis, Myalgic focused on measuring ME/CFS, myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, stellate ganglion block, SGB, cervical sympathetic block, post-exertional malaise, PEM, exertional intolerance, brain fog, orthostatic intolerance
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Age (18-50 years) Female ME/CFS (CCC and IOM criteria) duration less than 4 years at time of study enrollment Confirmed or suspected viral disease prior to ME/CFS onset (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, Epstein-Barr, Influenza) BMI =18-29 kg/m^2 Ability to read, write and speak English language Exclusion Criteria: Prior SGB treatment Allergy to amide local anesthetics (e.g. ropivacaine, bupivacaine) Current anticoagulant use History of bleeding disorder History of glaucoma Infection or mass at injection site Anatomical abnormalities in C3-T1 region Current pregnancy Hypertension Diabetes (any type) Thyroid disease History of neck or throat surgeries Vocal cord problems or paralysis Causalgia/Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Current cancer diagnosis Diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome Diagnosis of current moderate or severe substance use disorder History of neurological disease, seizure, or significant head trauma Conditions or disorders (other than ME/CFS) that affect cognitive functioning including stroke, past or present diagnosis of psychosis or psychotic symptoms, diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, or severe depression
Sites / Locations
- Neuroversion
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Experimental
Stellate Ganglion Block
The stellate ganglion and nearby cervical sympathetic ganglia will be blocked with 10 mL 0.5 percent bupivacaine under ultrasound guidance.