NCT07374562

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

Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment on Long COVID Symptoms: A Single-Blind, Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial (STAR-CO)

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This single-center, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial evaluates whether a stellate ganglion block (SGB) using bupivacaine can improve persistent symptoms in adults with long COVID. Participants are assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either an ultrasound-guided right-sided SGB or a placebo saline injection delivered to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. After the intervention, participants are followed for 26 weeks with scheduled evaluations that include symptom questionnaires and functional tests. The study assesses changes in functional status, fatigue, cognitive complaints, quality of life, dyspnea, lower-limb endurance, and orthostatic tolerance over time. Safety is monitored throughout all follow-up visits. Approximately 40 participants meeting predefined eligibility criteria will be enrolled. This trial seeks to determine whether a single stellate ganglion block has an effect on persistent long-COVID symptoms compared with placebo.The results will help determine the therapeutic value of SGB in the management of long COVID and inform future research and clinical practice.

Conditions

• Long COVID

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Stellate Ganglion Block (Bupivacaine)	A single ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block is administered on the right side of the neck under sterile conditions by an anesthesiologist. The needle is positioned between the longus colli muscle and the right carotid artery, and 7 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine is injected. Correct placement is verified by ultrasound and confirmed clinically by the expected appearance of Claude Bernard-Horner syndrome following the injection. Participants are observed for approximately 30 minutes after the procedure.
PROCEDURE	placebo saline injection	A single placebo injection of 6-8 mL of 0.9% normal saline is administered into the right sternocleidomastoid muscle. The procedure uses the same patient positioning, sterile preparation, and ultrasound guidance as the active arm; however, the needle is intentionally placed in the muscle, away from the stellate ganglion, and does not produce a stellate ganglion block (i.e., cannot cause Claude Bernard-Horner syndrome).

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-05
• Primary completion: 2027-02-01
• Completion: 2027-02-01
• First posted: 2026-01-29
• Last updated: 2026-02-09

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Canada