Korean J Anesthesiol.  1986 Oct;19(5):499-505.

Therapeutic Effects of Stellate Ganglion Block for Sudden Deafness

• Song SO
• Shin CM
• Yoo BL

Abstract

Sudden deafness may be defined as abrupt onset of sensorineural hearing low without definitive cause and it's pathogenesis is supposed to be a disturbance of blood flow to the inner ear. A Stellate ganglion block induces vasodilation in the head, neck and upper extremity. On this basis we performed stellate ganglion block from 2 to 21 times along with medical treatment on 7 cases of sudden deafness. The resutls were as follows: 1) Of 7 cases, 3 cases(42.9%) had complete recovery; 3 cases(42.9%) had a partial improvement; and 1 case(14.2%) had no response. 2) In patient with vertigo, the prognosis was poor. 3) The signs of a successful block were Horner's syndrome(89.8%), facial flushing (25.4%) and nasal stuffiness(10.2%). 4) The complications after Stellate ganglion block were weakness of the upper extremity(13.6%), hoarscness(10.2%), complaints of a lump in the throat(13.4%), blurred vision (1.7%), and dizziness(1.7%). Therefore, we think that the Stellate ganglion block is a valuable method of treatment in sudden deafness for the purpose of improving the blood supply to the inner ear.

MeSH Terms

Ear, Inner
Flushing
Head
Hearing
Hearing Loss, Sudden*
Humans
Neck
Prognosis
Stellate Ganglion*
Upper Extremity
Vasodilation
Vertigo