Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Targeting Gray Rami Communicantes in Selective Chemical Lumbar Sympathectomy
Published on: January 10, 2019
Sympathetic blockade and amitriptyline in the treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy
G Karakurum1, L Pirbudak, U Oner
1Departments of Orthopaedics, University of Gaziantep, Gaziantep, Turkey.
Abstract:
We prospectively investigated the outcome of a combination therapy of oral amitriptyline and sympathetic ganglion blockade on 10 patients suffering from reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the upper extremity for at least three months. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by clinical examination, pain ratings on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and grip strength measurements using the Jamar dynamometer. The results were statistically analysed with Wilcoxon signed-ranks test for comparison of the before and after treatment grip strength measurements and with paired t-test for comparison of the mean of initial and consecutive pain ratings on the VAS. Values of p < 0.01 were considered to be statistically significant. Combination therapy proved beneficial in this particular patient population, which, as far as previously documented studies are concerned, would otherwise respond less favourably to a treatment consisting solely of sympathetic blockade.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Blockers
Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and anaphylaxis:...
Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
Nonselective α-blockers: Nonselective α-blockers contain haloalkylamine or imidazoline moieties. Phenoxybenzamine, with a haloalkylamine...
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacological Actions
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...
Adrenergic Antagonists: Pharmacological Actions of ɑ-Receptor Blockers
α1-blockers: These drugs inhibit α1-adrenoceptors on smooth muscle cells, resulting in vasodilation. This vasodilation lowers blood pressure, making α1-blockers valuable in treating hypertension. Additionally, α1-blockers effectively address urinary obstruction...

