Abstract
Patients visited our clinic were divided into two groups, that is, the one of laser irradiation over the stellate ganglion (LISG Group; N=76) and the other of conventional stellate ganglion block using a local anesthetics (SGB Group; N=82). In the LISG Group, pulse rate and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly, from 69±22bpm to 65±20bpm, 131±44mmHg to 122±40mmHg, respectively. Furthermore, in the LISG group, we observed a subjective warm feeling on the face (rate of frequency of appearance, 54%), flushed checks (26%), and mild conjunctival hyperemia of the eye (37%). Thus it is considered that abnormal sympathetic activity may be gradually controlled by laser irradiation over the stellate ganglion. LISG is, in the opinion of the authors, a non-invasive, side-effect free and painless therapy, which can be applied bilaterally with no appreciable adverse side effects.
