Objective
To compare the therapeutic effects between stellate ganglion block and steroid therapy in post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome. Method: In this controlled study, thirty-eight patients with post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome were randomly divided into two groups. One group received a total of five repeated stellate ganglion block every three days and the other group received an oral corticosteroid therapy. Therapeutic effects were assessed before treatment, after fifteen days and thirty days in the each group and evaluated via volume of the involved hand, circumference of the middle finger, shoulder and hand pain score. Results: In both groups, hand edema and circumference of middle finger were decreased after fifteen days and thirty days of treatment. However, the stellate ganglion block group showed more significant improvement in mean change of hand edema and circumference compared to the steroid therapy group. The hand and shoulder pain were also decreased significantly after fifteen days in both groups. In stellate ganglion block group, patients' pain kept decreased even after thirty days had passed since the treatment. However, in the other group who got the steroid therapy, there was no further decrease from the fifteenth day after the therapy. Conclusion: Although both treatment were effective in relieving symptoms of post-stroke complex regional pain syndrome, the stellate ganglion block was more effective. However, further controlled study is required. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2007; 31: 417-422)
