Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sponsor
Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec
Study ID
NCT07374562
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Stellate Ganglion Block (Bupivacaine) — PROCEDURE
    A single ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block is administered on the right side of the neck under sterile conditions by an anesthesiologist. The needle is positioned between the longus colli muscle and the right carotid artery, and 7 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine is injected. Correct placement is verified by ultrasound and confirmed clinically by the expected appearance of Claude Bernard-Horner syndrome following the injection. Participants are observed for approximately 30 minutes after the procedure.
  • placebo saline injection — PROCEDURE
    A single placebo injection of 6-8 mL of 0.9% normal saline is administered into the right sternocleidomastoid muscle. The procedure uses the same patient positioning, sterile preparation, and ultrasound guidance as the active arm; however, the needle is intentionally placed in the muscle, away from the stellate ganglion, and does not produce a stellate ganglion block (i.e., cannot cause Claude Bernard-Horner syndrome).

Study Details

This single-center, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial evaluates whether a stellate ganglion block (SGB) using bupivacaine can improve persistent symptoms in adults with long COVID. Participants are assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either an ultrasound-guided right-sided SGB or a placebo saline injection delivered to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. After the intervention, participants are followed for 26 weeks with scheduled evaluations that include symptom questionnaires and functional tests. The study assesses changes in functional status, fatigue, cognitive complaints, quality of life, dyspnea, lower-limb endurance, and orthostatic tolerance over time. Safety is monitored throughout all follow-up visits. Approximately 40 participants meeting predefined eligibility criteria will be enrolled. This trial seeks to determine whether a single stellate ganglion block has an effect on persistent long-COVID symptoms compared with placebo.The results will help determine the therapeutic value of SGB in the management of long COVID and inform future research and clinical practice.

Key Dates

First listed
Jan 29, 2026
Start date
Feb 5, 2026
Status verified
Feb 2026
Primary completion
Feb 28, 2027
Completion
Feb 28, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
40 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Stellate Ganglion Block with Bupivacaine
    Participant receives a right-sided stellate ganglion block under ultrasound guidance, using bupivacaine, performed by an anesthesiologist.
  • Placebo Comparator: Placebo Neck Injection
    Participant receives a saline injection into the sternocleidomastoid muscle under the same conditions.

Primary Outcome Measure

Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS) [ Time Frame: 4 weeks after the intervention ]

Central Contacts

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