Stellate ganglion block may alleviate postherpetic neuralgia by modulating neurovascular function, inhibiting inflammatory responses, and blocking pain transmission pathways, but evidence-based data on its efficacy and safety remain insufficient.
This protocol describes a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stellate ganglion block (SGB) for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The study will search multiple databases up to December 31, 2025, and will use standard meta-analytic methods. The abstract notes that current evidence is insufficient and inconsistent, indicating the need for this review.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Stellate ganglion block may alleviate postherpetic neuralgia by modulating neurovascular function, inhibiting inflammatory responses, and blocking pain transmission pathways, but evidence-based data on its efficacy and safety remain insufficient. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 47/100 (low).
The Claim
Stellate ganglion block may alleviate postherpetic neuralgia by modulating neurovascular function, inhibiting inflammatory responses, and blocking pain transmission pathways, but evidence-based data on its efficacy and safety remain insufficient.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), particularly elderly.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Efficacy and safety of stellate ganglion block for postherpetic neuralgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. (BMJ open, 2026) — This protocol describes a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stellate ganglion block (SGB) for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The study will search multiple databases up to December 31, 2025, and will use standard meta-analytic methods. The abstract notes that current evidence is insufficient and inconsistent, indicating the need for this review.
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Modulating neurovascular function
- ▸Inhibiting inflammatory responses
- ▸Blocking pain transmission pathways
- ▸Result: Alleviation of PHN pain
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), particularly elderly
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸This is a protocol, not a completed study; no results are reported.
- ▸Existing studies have inconsistent results, and evidence-based data are insufficient.
- ▸The review will only include studies up to December 31, 2025, which may miss later publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stellate ganglion block (SGB)?▼
SGB is an interventional technique targeting the sympathetic nervous system, believed to alleviate PHN by modulating neurovascular function, inhibiting inflammation, and blocking pain transmission.
Why is this systematic review needed?▼
Current clinical treatments for PHN are suboptimal, and evidence on SGB efficacy and safety is insufficient and inconsistent, so a comprehensive meta-analysis is required.
What databases will be searched?▼
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases, from inception to December 31, 2025.
What are the main outcomes of interest?▼
The primary outcomes are efficacy (pain relief) and safety (adverse events) of SGB in PHN patients.
References
- 1.Zhou B, Hu J, He Y, He H. “Efficacy and safety of stellate ganglion block for postherpetic neuralgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol..” BMJ open, 2026. PMID: 42648776 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-118374