Usefulness of additional polarized light irradiation for those treated with stellate ganglion block in sudden deafness

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Both stellate ganglion block (SGB) and polarized light irradiation (Superlizer) have a tendency to increase blood flow. Increases in blood flow can be estimated indirectly by changes in tympanic membrane temperature. In this study, we sought to evaluate how simultaneous SGB and Superlizer treatment affects tympanic temperature and tympanic blood flow in individuals suffering from sudden deafness. METHODS: Among patients who visited the pain clinic complaining of sudden deafness, we divided them into two groups: one receiving only SGB; the other receiving both SGB and Superlizer treatment. By comparing the tympanic membrane temperature measurements of both groups on 10, 30, and 60 minutes after treatment through a prospective study, we intended to evaluate the effect of treatment with SGB and Superlizer. RESULTS: Temperature changes measured after the injection were statistically significant in both groups. Temperature changes of the tympanic membrane were greater in the group who received both SGB and Superlizer compared to the group receiving only SGB. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that SGB followed by Superlizer has effects on the amount of increase in tympanic membrane temperature. This seems to be attributed to the increase in blood circulation of the inner ear compared with the group receiving only SGB. We came to the conclusion that in sudden deafness patients, the use of SGB combined with polarized light irradiation appears to be more effective in the treatment of sudden deafness.