Dr. Lakkaraju brings his exceptional background—including fellowships from Leeds and Liverpool, a pain medicine degree from the University of Sydney, and 13 years of specialized practice in Australia—to discuss how Stellate Ganglion Blocks are transforming chronic pain management.
In this compelling conversation, you’ll discover:
- The fascinating intersection between chronic pain and PTSD
- How innovative techniques using 5% dextrose are revolutionizing treatment
- Real patient success stories that demonstrate remarkable outcomes
- The neurochemical mechanisms behind emotional trauma and pain
- Cutting-edge combined approaches including vagal nerve hydrodissection
Dr. Lakkaraju shares powerful case studies, including patients with burning mouth syndrome, thyroid cancer complications, and complex pain conditions who found relief when traditional methods failed.
Whether you’re a medical professional or someone struggling with chronic pain, this episode offers invaluable insights into the future of pain management
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Guest Biography
Dr. Amit Lakkaraju
Dr. Amit Lakkaraju is a fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologist working in Melbourne and Geelong. He trained initially in orthopaedics before making the move to radiology in 2004. He has completed two fellowships in musculoskeletal radiology initially at Leeds in 2009 and subsequently from Liverpool in 2010. He has been a practicing radiologist with musculoskeletal and venous subspecialty interest in Australia for 13 years. He has completed a pain medicine degree from the University of Sydney in 2017-2018 and has done a number of courses in interventional pain procedures. He also has done post graduate training in venous disease through the Australian College of Phlebology. His interests include interventional pain management, venous disease, sports imaging and functional imaging in musculoskeletal conditions.
Show Notes from this episode
- Introduction and Guest Introduction 0:00
- Dr. Barrett introduces the podcast and the guest, Dr. Amit Lakkaraju, an interventional radiologist in Melbourne, Australia.
- Dr. Lakkaraju’s practice focuses on chronic pain management and venous disease.
- The discussion will primarily cover the use of stellate ganglion blocks for chronic pain.
- Dr. Barrett mentions the increasing indications for stellate ganglion blocks.
- Dr. Lakkaraju’s Background and Practice 2:12
- Dr. Lakkaraju confirms his practice in Melbourne and his dual-faceted role in interventional radiology.
- He specializes in chronic pain and venous disease management.
- Dr. Barrett and Dr. Lakkaraju discuss the basics of stellate ganglion blocks and their historical context.
- Dr. Lakkaraju explains the anatomy and functions of the stellate ganglion, including its role in sympathetic activity and sensory pathways.
- Chronic Pain and CRPS 4:08
- Dr. Barrett and Dr. Lakkaraju discuss the complexities of chronic pain, particularly CRPS.
- Dr. Lakkaraju shares a case study of a patient with chronic pain and PTSD, highlighting the sympathetic component of her pain.
- The patient’s history of abuse and PTSD influenced the treatment approach, including stellate ganglion blocks.
- Dr. Lakkaraju explains the neurochemical interactions between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems in chronic pain.
- Stellate Ganglion Blocks and PTSD 9:18
- Dr. Barrett and Dr. Lakkaraju discuss the association between sexual abuse and chronic pain.
- Dr. Lakkaraju explains how stellate ganglion blocks can help reduce the sympathetic component of PTSD.
- The discussion touches on the neurochemical responses to emotional trauma and how stellate ganglion blocks can break feedback loops.
- Dr. Lakkaraju compares the effect of stellate ganglion blocks to the effects of psychedelics on depression.
- Technical Aspects of Stellate Ganglion Blocks 16:07
- Dr. Lakkaraju shares his experience with using 5% dextrose for stellate ganglion blocks.
- He explains the rationale behind using 5% dextrose, including its safety and effectiveness.
- Dr. Lakkaraju discusses the volume and technique of administering the blocks.
- He mentions the simultaneous use of vagal nerve hydro dissections for comprehensive pain management.
- Case Studies and Patient Outcomes 22:16
- Dr. Lakkaraju shares case studies of patients who benefited from stellate ganglion blocks and vagal nerve blocks.
- A patient with burning mouth syndrome and facial pain saw significant improvement.
- Another patient with thyroid cancer and swallowing difficulties experienced relief after the blocks.
- Dr. Lakkaraju discusses the broader impact of these treatments on patients’ overall well-being.
- Comparison with Traditional Techniques 42:15
- Dr. Barrett and Dr. Lakkaraju discuss the differences between stellate ganglion blocks and traditional techniques like lignocaine.
- Dr. Lakkaraju explains the advantages of using 5% dextrose, including its safety and effectiveness.
- The discussion highlights the importance of a multi-modal approach to chronic pain management.
- Dr. Lakkaraju emphasizes the need for a comprehensive treatment plan that includes various interventions.
- Challenges and Future Directions 56:22
- Dr. Lakkaraju discusses the challenges of integrating new techniques into traditional medical practices.
- He mentions the conservatism in medicine and the slow adoption of new methods.
- Dr. Lakkaraju expresses his hope for continued innovation and collaboration in the field.
- The conversation concludes with plans for future discussions on venous disease management.
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