Services
Stellate Ganglion Injection for PTSD or Depression
What is a Stellate Ganglion Injection?
A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is an injection of local anesthetic on the right side of the neck around the stellate ganglion nerve that controls the ‘flight or fight’ response (Sympathetic Nervous System), which temporarily “numbs” the nerves. It is an outpatient procedure performed with ultrasound and usually takes less than 30 minutes. The effects can be felt immediately. A SGB can treat symptoms associated with PTSD, and post COVID symptoms such as chronic fatigue, headaches, and dysfunction in smell (Parosmia), loss of smell (Anosmia), and dysfunction in taste (Dysgeusia).
How Does a Stellate Ganglion Injection Help with PTSD or Depression?
When your sympathetic nervous system isn’t functioning properly, the fight- or-flight system which is designed to protect you, is STUCK in the “ON” position. A Stellate ganglion block turns this switch “OFF”, like rebooting a computer.
What is PTSD?
Posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health concern that some people develop after they see or experience a traumatic event.
Symptoms of PTSD
Reliving or Re-experiencing the Event
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Nightmares
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Flashbacks
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Triggers
Hyperarousal or Being on Guard
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Being jittery or overly alert
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Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
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Feeling angry or irritable
Avoidance
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Avoiding crowds
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Avoiding certain smells, sights, sounds
Negative Changes in Beliefs and Feelings
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Losing interest in things you previously enjoyed
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Feeling guilty or ashamed
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Unable to trust others
Causes of PTSD
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Combat & Warfare
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Childhood abuse
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Sexual assault
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Death of loved one
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Domestic/emotional abuse
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Traumatic event
Painful Conditions
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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
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Lumbar Radiculopathy
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Migraine
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Osteoarthritis of Knee
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Osteoarthritis of Spine
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Piriformis Syndrome
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Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Research
Since 2010, several US military treatment facilities have used Stellate Ganglion Blocks effectively to help thousands of service members suffering from symptoms associated with PTSD.
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Stellate Ganglion Block Reduces Anxiety Symptoms by Half: A Case Series of 285 Patients
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Behavioral health clinicians endorse stellate ganglion block as a valuable intervention in the treatment of trauma-related disorders
“My triggers do not trigger anymore. I just feel so much more calm. My muscles are relaxed. I’m not as paranoid about things or hyper-aware. It’s really a miracle.”