Ultrasound Guided Stellate Ganglion Block for CRPS: Clinical Success by Asian Pain Academy Alumni, Dr. Jithin Mathew Abraham

Asian Pain Academy
Aug 3
3 min read

Ultrasound Guided Stellate Ganglion Block for CRPS – A Clinical Success from Kerala

At Asian Pain Academy, we are proud to share success stories of our alumni who are transforming pain care across India. One such inspiring example is from Dr. Jithin Mathew Abraham, a senior consultant in anaesthesia from Kerala, who recently achieved a remarkable clinical outcome.

Dr. Abraham successfully treated a patient with chronic hand pain due to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) using an ultrasound guided stellate ganglion block. The case was referred to him by an orthopaedic surgeon, and the patient had developed CRPS following a radial fracture, with symptoms persisting for over four months. The condition met all clinical diagnostic criteria, including pain disproportionate to injury, sensory and motor disturbances, and trophic changes.

The results were impressive and immediate—clearly visible in the patient’s before-and-after hand movement videos, which Dr. Abraham shared along with a clinical photograph taken during the block.

Ultrasound Guided Stellate Ganglion Block for CRPS — Picture During Procedure

Training That Made a Difference

Dr. Abraham completed the Asian Pain Academy’s Interventional Pain Management Workshop in March 2025, a hands-on training program focused on ultrasound and fluoroscopy-guided pain procedures. Sponsored by his institution, he attended the workshop with a clear goal: to set up a dedicated pain clinic in Kerala.

Here’s what he had to say about the experience:

“I am a senior consultant in Anaesthesia from Kerala, currently working at a private medical college. My colleague and I were sent by our institution to receive training in order to establish a pain clinic at our facility.We believe this was one of the best decisions we could have made. The training here has been thorough, albeit basic, but it has been extremely hands-on and comprehensive. Many of our doubts were addressed, and we feel deeply encouraged to move forward in our journey of incorporating interventional pain management into our medical practice. Thank you.”

Why Stellate Ganglion Block Matters in CRPS

CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) is a debilitating chronic pain condition that often follows trauma or surgery, as in this case involving a radial fracture. It can severely restrict function and quality of life. In such cases, stellate ganglion block (SGB), particularly under ultrasound guidance, offers a minimally invasive and highly effective treatment.

This technique helps:

Interrupt the sympathetic nervous system
Improve blood flow and reduce pain
Restore mobility and reduce stiffness

Ultrasound guidance ensures real-time needle visualization, minimizes complications, and improves accuracy—making it the preferred approach in trained hands.

From Workshop to Real-World Impact

The clinical success achieved by Dr. Jithin Mathew Abraham exemplifies how focused, hands-on training empowers clinicians to immediately implement safe and effective pain interventions.

Our workshops are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enabling doctors to:

Treat complex pain syndromes like CRPS
Reduce dependence on opioid medications
Establish specialized pain services at their institutions

Dr. Abraham’s case is now part of our Alumni Clinical Success Gallery—a growing archive of doctors applying what they learned at Asian Pain Academy to improve patient outcomes.

📽️ Video Evidence and Clinical Photos

Dr. Abraham’s submission includes:

📷 An image taken during the stellate ganglion block procedure
🎥 Two short clips showing the patient’s hand movement before and after the block

These materials serve as a learning tool for our current students and a source of motivation for future pain physicians.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is a stellate ganglion block?A stellate ganglion block is an injection targeting the sympathetic nerves in the neck to treat chronic pain conditions like CRPS, facial pain, or vascular insufficiency.

Q2: Is ultrasound guidance necessary for this block?Yes. Ultrasound guidance enhances safety, precision, and patient comfort, making it the preferred technique in modern pain clinics.

Q3: Can CRPS be cured with a single block?While some patients respond dramatically to one block, others may require repeat procedures or a combination of interventions for long-term relief.

Final Thoughts

This story is not just about a block—it’s about the power of education, the commitment to patient care, and the growing community of pain physicians in India who are elevating standards in interventional pain management.

If you’re a physician looking to enhance your skills in ultrasound-guided procedures like the stellate ganglion block, join our next workshop and be part of the transformation.

🔗 Explore Our Upcoming Hands-On Pain Workshops »

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