Wallace Ralston, DNP, CRNA performs a pain procedure on a patient in a CCMH operating room.Photo of patient lying on table in operating room undergoing a pain procedure by a CRNA using radiologic guided assistance.

Pain Clinic Offers Treatment for Long-COVID Symptoms

March 12, 2026 — For those suffering from lingering long-COVID symptoms, Cedar County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) is offering hope through specialized pain management procedures that are helping patients recover their sense of smell and taste while relieving chronic symptoms that have persisted for months or even years after their initial infection.

Wallace Ralston, a certified registered nurse anesthetist and family nurse practitioner who is board-certified in pain management, shared about this innovative approach to treating post-COVID symptoms. Ralston has successfully treated approximately 50 patients with remarkable results. "Out of the several dozen procedures I've performed, I've only had one patient with no response, and I've had no complications," Ralston reports.

Long-COVID develops in approximately 6% of people who have had COVID infections. Symptoms can include brain fog, headaches, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression, and loss of taste and smell. Medical experts believe these symptoms are indicative of autonomic dysfunction in the brain—a disruption in the body's automatic nervous system that controls vital functions.

Targeted Procedures Reset the Nervous System

CCMH Pain Management offers two specific procedures designed to reduce or eliminate post-COVID symptoms: the sphenopalatine block and the stellate ganglion block. Both procedures work by resetting the autonomic dysfunction that causes lingering symptoms. The sphenopalatine block is administered through the nose, while the stellate ganglion block targets the stellate plexus in the neck.

The effectiveness of these procedures is remarkable. "The efficacy, which means the cure rate, is somewhere between about 75 and 85 percent," says Ralston. "And most people, within 10 or 15 minutes, will notice a difference."

Even patients who have suffered from symptoms for extended periods can experience significant improvement. Ralston notes that he has successfully treated multiple patients who had suffered years of impaired sense of taste or smell.

Both treatments are simple outpatient procedures. The sphenopalatine block may cause temporary numbness in the throat as local anesthetic runs down the back of the throat, but this resolves within a couple of hours. The stellate ganglion block can cause temporary Horner's syndrome— drooping of the eyelid, constriction of the pupil, and reduction of sweating on one side of the body—but these effects also resolve quickly, within 2-6 hours after the procedure.

Comprehensive Pain Management Approach

CCMH Pain Management helps community members return to their pre-COVID quality of life. Whether patients are experiencing parosmia, chronic pain, brain fog, sleep difficulties, or other lingering symptoms, the team offers compassionate, evidence-based care. Customized treatment plans consider individual needs and may include the blocks mentioned or a variety of interventions such as injections, lifestyle modifications, stretching, or coordination with another specialty provider.

"We listen to each patient's concerns and work together to create a treatment plan that makes the most sense for their unique situation," Ralston emphasizes. "If you are experiencing post-COVID symptoms that are impacting your life, we want to help."

For more information about CCMH Pain Management services for long-COVID symptoms or to schedule an appointment, please visit cedarcomem.com or call 417-876-3613.

About Cedar County Memorial Hospital

Cedar County Memorial Hospital, located in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, has been serving Cedar County and the surrounding communities since 1960. With 10 acute care beds and a dedicated team of more than 130 healthcare professionals, the hospital provides a full range of services, including 24-hour emergency care, advanced diagnostic imaging (CT and MRI), clinical laboratory testing, surgical procedures, physical and occupational therapy, and swing bed services. Cedar County Memorial Hospital is committed to delivering innovative, patient-centered care and using best practices to promote health and enhance the quality of life for its Friends, Family & Neighbors.

Media Contact:

Natalie Eberhard
Marketing Specialist
CCMH Marketing Dept
417.876.3745
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