Cervical sympathetic block to treat Long COVID: a scoping review
Authors' conclusion
CSB may offer symptom relief in Long COVID, particularly for fatigue, brain fog, and dysautonomia.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with Long COVID
- Participants
- 224 adults · 16 studies
- Outcome
- Symptom outcomes after cervical sympathetic block (CSB)
Methodological detailsSearch of PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science, 2022 to March 2025; case reports, case series, observational studies and one RCT
- Search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science, 2022 to March 2025; case reports, case series, observational studies and one RCT
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Most studies reported improvement in fatigue, brain fog and autonomic symptoms, incl. reduced heart rate and enhanced orthostatic tolerance
- Cognitive and psychiatric symptoms (memory impairment, anxiety, depression): variable improvement
- Olfactory recovery inconsistent; appeared to depend on symptom severity
- Symptom relief after both unilateral and bilateral blocks; some responses lasting up to 1 year
Safety
- No serious complications reported
Original publication
Cervical sympathetic block to treat Long COVID: a scoping review. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published 27 August 2025. doi:10.
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