Korean J Anesthesiol.  1981 Dec;14(4):501-507.

Stellate Ganglion Bolck for Herpes Zoster associated with Facial Palsy

• Kim K
• Choi R
• Yoon DM
• Oh HK

Abstract

There are many theonies regarding the etiology of idiopathic facial paralysis(Bell's palsy), but none will bear close examination at the present time. Quite possibly a proportion of causes should be classified as due to the herpes virtus. Herpes zoster is commonly known as a benign viral disease affecting the sensory nerves, but less well known is that this viral infection also caused muscle paralysis, in a not significant number of patients. There is increasing evidence that sympathetic blocks performed during the acute stage of herpes zoster infection shorten the eruptive phase of the disease and decreases the incidence of post herpetic neuralgia. Early treatment is particularly important in elderly patients in whom the incidence of long standing postherpetic pain is extremely high. The aim of treatment of Bell's palsy is to reduce edema and improve circulation to be facial nerve. Stellate ganglion block resulted in abolishing cerebral vascular spasm and in increasing cerebral blood flow. Thus stellate ganglion block is effective in treatment of Bell's palsy. This patient with herpes zoster associated with idopathic complete Bell's palsy was treated by repeat stellate ganglion block with 1% lidocaine and excellent result were noted.

MeSH Terms

Aged
Bell Palsy
Edema
Facial Nerve
Facial Paralysis*
Herpes Zoster*
Humans
Incidence
Lidocaine
Neuralgia
Paralysis
Spasm
Stellate Ganglion*
Virus Diseases
Lidocaine