Stellate Ganglion Block With Lidocaine for the Treatment of COVID-19-Induced Parosmia (Stella)
Parosmia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Parosmia focused on measuring Long-COVID, Olfactory disfunction, smell, olfaction, anosmia, bad smell
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adults age 18 to 70 Diagnosis of COVID-19 at least 6 months prior to study enrollment with self-reported parosmia Ability to read, write, and understand English Score of at least 15 on DiSODOR Exclusion Criteria: History of smell loss or change prior to COVID-19 infection History of conditions known to impact olfactory function: Chronic rhinosinusitis History of prior sinonasal or skull base surgery Neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia) Currently using concomitant therapies specifically for the treatment of olfactory dysfunction Inability to tolerate a needle injection into the neck History of coexisting conditions that make SGB contraindicated: Unilateral vocal cord paralysis Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (FEV1 between 30-50% of predicted) Recent myocardial infarction within the last year Glaucoma Cardiac conduction block of any degree Currently taking blood thinners or antiplatelet agents Allergy to local anesthetic Inability to extend the neck for any reason (e.g., severe arthritis)
Sites / Locations
- St. Joseph's Hospital London
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Placebo Comparator
Experimental
Placebo Group
Stellate Ganglion Block
The placebo sham injection will be performed in an identical fashion as the stellate ganglion block, with the exception of using 8 mL of 0.9% saline injection instead of Lidocaine.
The ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion blocks will be performed by a pain management specialist with extensive experience performing these blocks. The first SGB at the initial visit will be performed on the right side, and the second SGB will be on the left side 5-10 days after the first SGB, given that the patient tolerated the first SGB.