Effects of lumbar sympathetic ganglion block for a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Journal of Anesthesia
Takeshi KitohKoichi Ono

Abstract

A 59-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) received lumbar epidural and sympathetic ganglion blocks to increase regional blood flow and improve his clinical symptoms. After a lumbar epidural block (0.5% mepivacaine), the skin temperature of his affected lower extremities rose by 7.0 degrees C and became close to that of the intact side, and the distance he was able to walk with his cane increased from 2 to 8 m. The clinical effects produced by the lumbar sympathetic ganglion block (99.5% alcohol) were sustained for approximately 8 weeks after the first block and for approximately 6 weeks after the second block. There were no particular adverse effects or complications associated with these nerve block procedures. Epidural and sympathetic ganglion blocks for an ALS patient, albeit their effects are of a transient nature, may improve related clinical symptoms, and were thought to play a contributory role in improving our patient's quality of life.

References

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Nov 18, 2004·Journal of the Neurological Sciences·Kazumasa ShindoZenji Shiozawa
Jul 5, 2005·Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs·E C Lai

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Citations

Nov 2, 2011·Journal of Anesthesia·Nezih Sertöz, Semra Karaman
Jun 3, 2009·Revista brasileira de anestesiologia·Adriano Bechara de Souza Hobaika, Bárbara Silva Neves
Jun 27, 2015·Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine·Sandra L KoppJames R Hebl

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