Papers of the Week

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is an integral component of the body's response to stress. Once activated, the SNS has broad-reaching effects on multiple organ systems that modulate pain, behavior, and mood. Blockade of the system can improve pain associated with multiple etiologies, including vascular, visceral, and neuropathic pain. Multiple techniques are available to block the SNS and provide options that improve analgesia and can be individualized to a particular patient's needs and disease state.