Stellate ganglion block for post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome
Official title: The Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Stellate Ganglion Block on Pain, Functionality, and Quality of Life in Type 1 Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Stroke Patients
Run by Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · NCT07129811 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether adding a stellate ganglion block to regular physical therapy reduces pain and improves arm function in adults with post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ankara City Hospital Bilkent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Çankaya) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | September 5, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07129811 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–75 with post-stroke CRPS (IASP 2012 criteria) and a VAS pain score above 4 who can attend in-person treatment in Ankara are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other active neurological diseases, uncontrolled infection, malignancy, open wounds at the injection area, or significant cognitive impairment are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study will enroll 32 adults with post-stroke CRPS of the upper limb and a pain score greater than 4 on the VAS. Participants will be assigned to two groups: one receiving conventional physical therapy and exercise (10 sessions) plus stellate ganglion blockade, and the other receiving the same physical therapy without the block. Outcomes focus on pain intensity and functional use of the affected arm, measured before and after the treatment course. Common exclusion criteria include other neurological diseases, active infection, malignancy, open wounds at the injection site, and cognitive impairment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce pain and improve arm function during post-stroke rehabilitation.
How similar studies have gone: Small studies and case series have reported pain relief from stellate ganglion blockade for CRPS, but combining the block with conventional physical therapy specifically in post-stroke CRPS is novel and not well studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Volunteer male and female patients aged 18-75 * Diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome according to the IASP 2012 Diagnostic Criteria * Patient's pain level must be VAS \>4 Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of existing neurological diseases other than rheumatic diseases and stroke * General impairment * Conditions that would constitute a contraindication to application, such as an open wound or sensory deficit in the application area * Presence of active infection * Presence of malignancy * Cognitive dysfunction (mini mental test result \<23)
Where it's running
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Ankara Bilkent City Hospital
Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Seher KALIÇ MD
- Email: seherkalic@icloud.com
- Phone: +905393628565
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.