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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Fresh Research - C7 Nerve Block
        
(Message started by: floridian on Feb 10^th, 2004, 5:00pm)

Title: Fresh Research - C7 Nerve Block
Post by floridian on Feb 10^th, 2004, 5:00pm

This is somewhat different from other nerve blocks like an occipital - its at c7, (the 7th cervical vertebrae in the neck / the stellate ganglion) so results may be different from occipital blocks (which are near that bump on the back of your head). 70% remission looks pretty good!! By comparison, occipital blocks for CH give about 2 weeks of relief.

Quote:

Headache. 2004 Feb;44(2):183-5.

Cluster headache and the sympathetic nerve.

Albertyn J, Barry R, Odendaal CL. Departments of Neurosurgery (Dr. Albertyn), Surgery (Dr. Barry), and Pain Control (Dr. Odendaal), University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.

Objective.-To determine the effect of a sympathetic block at C7 on cluster headache. Backround.-Eleven patients presenting to a pain control unit with cluster headache were included in the study after giving informed consent. Methods.-In all patients, a mixture of 5 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride and 1 cc of methylprednisolone acetate was injected onto the base of the C7 transverse process. Results.-The injection was applied during the acute phase of headache in 6 patients and all experienced immediate and complete relief. The other 5 patients received the injection between attacks. Of the 11 patients treated, 8 went into remission by aborting the cluster. In some patients, repeated injections were given before the cluster was aborted. Three patients did not respond to treatment. One patient with chronic paroxysmal hemicrania experienced pain relief of the acute attack after treatment, but the procedure did not abort the subsequent attacks. A surgical sympathectomy removing the stellate ganglion rendered him pain-free for 15 months after which he was lost to follow-up. Conclusion.-Blocking the sympathetic nerve aborts an acute attack of cluster headache and may play a major role in aborting the cluster. Although only one patient with chronic paroxysmal hemicrania responded to surgical sympathectomy, this procedure may be considered as an alternative if there is poor response to oral medication or a sympathetic block.

Title: Re: Fresh Research - C7 Nerve Block
Post by rextangle on Feb 10^th, 2004, 6:33pm

Thanks for that info!
Truly appreciated! :)
Rex

Title: Re: Fresh Research - C7 Nerve Block
Post by Jimmy_B on Feb 11^th, 2004, 7:11am

Hmmmm...I get C-7 & C-8 (T1) Blocks regularly for my neck problem...I will have to schedule one when I'm in cycle.

Hope to report good news.

Jim