Stellate Ganglion Block for the Relief of Tinnitus in Vibration Disease

Abstract

Vibration disease results from the long-term use of vibratory tools such as chain-saws and pneumatic hammers. Vibration, noise, and cold are stressors that impair the human body. Consequently, signs and symptoms can occur, including tinnitus which can be associated with hearing loss. Tinnitus occurs in approximately 40 96 of the patients, and is hard to effectively treat. Stellate ganglion block was performed in patients with tinnitus. The efficacy of the ganglion block was evaluated by the five steps method of patient self-assessment and by the audiometric method. The effective rates of the ganglion block for tinnitus was 62.5% by self-assessment and 68.8% by audiometric assessment. The hearing acuity partially recovered and was associated with good or partial relief of tinnitus. A follow-up study for 18 months revealed that the efficacy of stellate ganglion block for tinnitus persisted. Thus, stellate ganglion block therapy can be effective for the treatment of tinnitus in patients with vibration disease. © 1984, Kurume University School of Medicine. All rights reserved.