Stellate Ganglion Block for Anosmia and Dysgeusia Due to Long COVID
Gaurav Chauhan, Aman Upadhyay, Suchit Khanduja, Trent Emerick
Abstract
Anosmia and parosmia refer to the loss or dysfunction of smell, respectively. Dysgeusia refers to taste disturbance. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the subsequent phenomenon of Long COVID syndrome have been associated with an increased incidence of anosmia and dysgeusia. Smell and taste disturbances associated with COVID-19 are usually self-limiting but can persist for longer periods in some cases. Imbalances of the autonomic nervous system, especially dysregulation of the sympathetic system, are implicated in the persistence of anosmia and dysgeusia post-COVID-19 infection. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) can diminish the increased sympathetic activity and potentially resolve anosmia and dysgeusia occurring due to Long COVID. The authors report the successful resolution of persistent anosmia and dysgeusia due to Long COVID in a female patient after she underwent SGB.