Dr. James Lynch compares how stellate ganglion block (SGB) is performed under ultrasound versus fluoroscopic guidance. Dr. Lynch uses SGB to treat anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms.

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Ultrasound does not expose patients to ionizing radiation and can be safely performed in a clinic setting using real-time visualization to precisely guide a needle to the target nerve in the side of the neck. Ultrasound provides distinct visualization of soft tissues such as nerves and blood vessels which we want to avoid with this injection. Fluoroscopy does not.

Both are standard techniques and taught to many physicians. Neither could be considered "better" than the other, but Dr. Lynch prefers ultrasound due to the ability to avoid sensitive and important structures. This makes ultrasound safer and allows for minimal to no pain with this procedure.