Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) to Treat
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a procedure used to treat symptoms of anxiety, long-term pain syndromes and stress disorders. Emerging research has shown that SGB has worked to help Veterans recover from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following their return to civilian society.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops in response to being exposed to extreme stress, serious injury, and/or sexual trauma. The symptoms of PTSD present themselves as an assortment of psychiatric conditions: Nightmares, severe anxiety, insomnia, hyper-vigilance and over reactivity. The sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) has been long known to play a part in PTSD. It is believed that extra nerves of this system sprout or grow after extreme trauma leading to elevated levels of norepinephrine (an adrenaline-like substance) which, in turn, over activates the amygdala (the fear center of the brain).  This chain of events results in PTSD symptoms that may persist for years.

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)

The stellate ganglion is a collection of sympathetic nerves located in front of the cervical vertebrae. A stellate ganglion block is done for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. As a diagnostic procedure, it is used to test for neuropathic pain in the arm and head and to test for complex regional pain syndrome. As a repeated procedure that is done in a series, it can be used to effectively provide relief of neuropathic pain in both the arms and face. A recent innovation offers potential in rapidly treating symptoms of PTSD for a prolonged period of time. Placing an anesthetic agent on the stellate ganglion, can relieve the symptoms of PTSD in as little as 30 minutes and last for years.

Benefits of The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)

  • Treats Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI)
  • Restores emotional and mental clarity
  • Improves sleep, reduces insomnia
  • Restores autonomic function to the Nervous System
  • Improves memory and concentration
  • Enhances sexual function and intimacy
  • Reduces “on edge” feeling or other forms of social anxiety
  • Improves ability to interact socially
  • Treats panic attacks
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It is important to understand that SCB is not a cure for PTSD; however, the symptoms may be controlled for a long time by using this approach.

Patients do best when they adhere to a proper regimen of aftercare under the supervision of psychiatric professionals. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), reduction or elimination of psychiatric medications, and meditation are commonly recommended. Reappearance of symptoms can occur if other trauma(s) are inflicted after SCB, if the patient is genetically predisposed to be sensitive to stress, or if the patient does not comply with the after-care protocol. Should symptoms reappear, then another SCB is likely to alleviate them.

SCG can help anyone living with the symptoms of PTSD, including:

  • Veterans
  • First responders
  • Police officers
  • Firefighters

We honor our veterans and offer exclusive discounts for Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD.

How to schedule an appointment

We respect your time and want to do what we can to help relieve your pain as quickly as possible. In order to schedule an appointment, please complete the PTSD and anxiety questionnaire.

Questionnaire