Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Investigating the effects of stellate ganglion block on retinal blood flow

Official title: Effect of the Stellate Ganglion Block on the Retinal Microcirculation: A Pilot Study

Run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT06797752 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a special nerve block used for pain relief can improve blood flow in the eyes of patients with severe brain injuries.

More Intracerebral Hemorrhage trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 7, 2024
Main results expectedOctober 7, 2026
Study endsOctober 7, 2026
Registry record updatedNovember 19, 2025
Trial IDNCT06797752 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are receiving stellate ganglion nerve blocks for approved indications.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are pregnant, non-English speaking, or have physical limitations preventing them from participating in the OCTA imaging will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study examines the impact of stellate ganglion nerve blocks on retinal microcirculation in patients with severe brain injuries, such as subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhages. The study aims to understand how this regional anesthesia technique, typically used for pain management, may influence cerebral sympathetic activity and potentially reduce vasospasm. Patients receiving the nerve block as part of their standard care will undergo OCTA scans to assess changes in their retinal microcirculation. The findings could provide insights into the broader implications of sympathetic nervous system modulation in critical neurological conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for patients with severe brain injuries by mitigating secondary brain damage.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of stellate ganglion blocks has shown promise in reducing sympathetic activity, this specific application in retinal microcirculation is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* Patients receiving the stellate ganglion nerve block for an approved indication, e.g. complex regional pain syndrome

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Non-English speaking
* Temporary or permanent physical limitation that renders the patient unable to sit up and look inside OCTA device

Where it's running

  • UT Southwestern Medical Center
    Dallas, Texas, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.