Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Versus Landmark-Guided Suprascapular Nerve Block for Treating Shoulder Pain in Stroke Patients

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare the effectiveness of two methods of suprascapular nerve block treatment for patients experiencing hemiplegic shoulder pain, a common complication after stroke. Hemiplegic shoulder pain significantly affects rehabilitation, and the suprascapular nerve plays a major role in shoulder sensation. The study focuses on patients who have had shoulder pain for at least three months following a stroke and evaluates which nerve block method may better manage this pain. The study involves two groups of patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain. One group receives an ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block, where a specific solution is injected near the nerve under ultrasound imaging to guide placement. The other group receives the nerve block based on anatomical landmarks without ultrasound. Both groups receive injections while sitting with their arm by their side, using a mixture of lidocaine, betamethasone, and saline. The study is randomized and includes 50 patients divided equally by age and sex. Participants are assessed before treatment and then at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the injection. Evaluations include shoulder joint range of motion, pain level using the Visual Analogue Scale, stroke recovery stages, daily living activities, muscle tone, and depression inventory. Researchers collect demographic and medical history data at the start. The goal is to measure improvements in shoulder function and pain relief over time, with safety monitored throughout the study period.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Ultrasound Guided vs Non-guided Suprascapular Nerve Block Treatment in Stroke Patients