Actively Recruiting
Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec · Updated on 2026-02-09
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
51 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
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
Official Title
Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 years and older
- Positive COVID-19 test confirmed by RT-PCR, antibody test, or antigen test at least 3 months prior to randomization, OR presumed COVID-19 evaluated by the site investigator with an acute illness after October 15, 2019 and at least 3 months prior to randomization
- Persistent symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more after acute COVID-19 onset and lasting at least 2 months
- Post-COVID Functional Status Scale score of 2 or higher
- Persistent dyspnea with a score of 2 or higher on the mMRC scale at least 12 weeks post-infection
- Ongoing COVID-19-related symptoms at the time of randomization
- If taking medications for fatigue or cognition, these must be stable for at least 4 weeks prior to randomization
- Able and willing to provide written informed consent
- Able to read and understand French
You will not qualify if you...
- Prior diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or fibromyalgia
- Being on sick leave or disability at the time of the original acute COVID-19 infection
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Myocardial infarction within the last 12 weeks
- Use of anticoagulant therapy
- Glaucoma
- Emphysema requiring home oxygen
- Cardiac conduction abnormalities
- Known hypersensitivity to bupivacaine
- Previous stellate ganglion block (SGB) procedure
- Any condition that makes the patient unsuitable for the proposed treatment in the judgment of the medical investigator
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Centre hospitalier affilié universitaire régional
Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada, G8Z 3R9
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Marie-Claude Lehoux, Master's degree
CONTACT
É
Éva Mathieu, Ph.D
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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