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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.

Last updated: Aug 28, 2026•0 RCTs•1 Meta-analyses•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score47/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis★★★☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Efficacy and safety of stellate ganglion block for postherpetic neuralgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

meta

Zhou B, Hu J, He Y, He H · BMJ open (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Stellate ganglion block (SGB)
Outcome: Efficacy (pain relief) and safety (adverse events) in PHN patients
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), particularly elderly

Result: 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.

PubMed: 42648776DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-118374

Mechanism Graph

Modulating neurovascular function
↓
Inhibiting inflammatory responses
↓
Blocking pain transmission pathways
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Result: Alleviation of PHN pain

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.