Anaesthesia · Pain Management and Nerve Blocks

A 50-year-old woman with complex regional pain syndrome of the right upper limb undergoes a stellate ganglion block. At which cervical level is this block typically performed?

A C3
B C4
C C6 ✓
D C8

Correct answer: C. C6

Explanation

The stellate ganglion block is performed at the C6 level, anterior to the Chassaignac tubercle. This level is chosen to avoid injury to the vertebral artery, which typically enters the transverse process at C6, and to prevent pneumothorax. C7 is avoided due to its proximity to the pleura.

Reference: Morgan and Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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