RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Researchers are investigating if a specific type of injection, known as a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), can help improve ongoing symptoms in adults who have long COVID. Long COVID can cause persistent problems such as extreme tiredness, memory issues, and difficulty breathing. In this study, participants will either receive the SGB injection, which contains a numbing medicine, or a dummy injection (placebo) of salt water. The injections are given in the neck. Over 26 weeks, the team will closely monitor how participants' symptoms change, looking at things like energy levels, thinking abilities, and overall well-being. The goal is to understand if this treatment offers real benefits compared to no active treatment, and to guide future care for long COVID.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec

Enrolment target

Start

05 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2027

Long COVID

What is this study about?

Many people who have had COVID-19 find that some symptoms, like extreme tiredness, breathlessness, and 'brain fog', can carry on for weeks or even months afterwards. This is often called long COVID. It can be really challenging and affect daily life.

Doctors are always looking for new ways to help people with long COVID. One treatment being explored is called a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). This is an injection given in the neck, near a cluster of nerves. The idea is that calming these nerves might help with some of the long COVID symptoms. This particular study is designed to see if the SGB, using a numbing medicine called bupivacaine, can make a difference.

To find out if the SGB truly works, this study uses a careful design. Some participants will receive the actual SGB injection, while others will get a 'dummy' injection (a placebo) of salty water. This helps researchers compare the effects accurately. Everyone will be monitored for about six months after the injection to see how their symptoms change and if their quality of life improves. The results will help doctors decide if SGB could be a useful treatment option for long COVID in the future.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new injection (Stellate Ganglion Block) for long COVID symptoms.
It aims to see if the injection helps with tiredness, 'brain fog', and breathing difficulties.
You might receive the active injection or a dummy (placebo) injection.
Participation involves an injection and follow-up for about 6 months.
Researchers will compare how symptoms change between the groups.
The results could help guide future treatments for long COVID.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or over. You must have had a confirmed COVID-19 infection (or a very likely case identified by a doctor) at least three months ago, and your long COVID symptoms must have been bothering you for at least 12 weeks and still be present. This includes feeling breathlessness and scoring at least 2 on a specific scale, and having a Post-COVID Functional Status Scale score of 2 or more, meaning your daily life is moderately affected.

There are also some important things that would prevent you from joining. For example, if you've already been diagnosed with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) or fibromyalgia, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you've had a heart attack recently (in the last 12 weeks), are taking blood thinners, have glaucoma, or need oxygen for lung problems like emphysema, this study might not be safe for you. If you've had a Stellate Ganglion Block injection before, you also wouldn't be eligible. Importantly, you need to be able to read and understand French.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Did you have COVID-19 at least 3 months ago with symptoms lasting at least 12 weeks?
Do you have persistent breathing difficulties rated 2 or higher on the mMRC scale?
Do your long COVID symptoms moderately affect your daily life (Post-COVID Functional Status Scale score 2 or more)?
Are you able to read and understand French?
Have you NOT had a heart attack in the last 12 weeks, nor do you take blood thinners, or have glaucoma, or need home oxygen?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will first go through checks to make sure you meet all the requirements. Once enrolled, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either you'll receive the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) injection or a placebo (dummy) injection of salt water. Both injections are given in a similar way, using ultrasound guidance in your neck.

After the injection, you'll be followed closely for about 26 weeks (roughly 6 months). During this time, you'll have several scheduled appointments where you'll complete questionnaires about your symptoms, tiredness, memory, and how you feel overall. You'll also do some simple tests to check your physical abilities, like how far you can walk or how well you tolerate standing up. Your safety will be checked at each visit. If you're already taking medications for tiredness or memory issues, you should have been on a steady dose for at least 4 weeks before joining and should try not to change them during the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer some potential benefits, as the Stellate Ganglion Block could help improve your long COVID symptoms. However, it's also possible that you might receive the placebo injection and not experience any direct benefits from the treatment itself. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, such as discomfort or bruising at the injection site, or other rare side effects associated with injections in the neck. Your safety will be closely monitored throughout the study. It's important to remember that joining is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre hospitalier affilié universitaire régional
Verified postcode
Trois-Rivières, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)?

It's an injection given in the neck near a group of nerves. Doctors are studying if it can help calm symptoms linked to long COVID.

Will I know if I get the real injection or the dummy one?

No, you won't know at the time. This is a common way to conduct studies to ensure results are fair and unbiased.

How long will the study last if I join?

The active part of your participation will last for about 26 weeks, which is roughly six months, after your injection.

Do I have to stop my current medications?

No, if you're on stable medications for fatigue or memory for at least 4 weeks, you should continue them during the study.

What if I change my mind after joining?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Marie-Claude Lehoux, Master's degree

marie-claude.lehoux@ssss.gouv.qc.ca 819 697-3333 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.