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Coping with symptoms of PTSD like anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance is exhausting. For many, conventional treatments like trauma therapy and counseling are difficult. In the last 10 years, more information has emerged to support Stellate Ganglion blocks as a form of specialized PTSD treatment. An SGB is a biologically oriented treatment that changes your response to stress. Mental health needs new options, and were proud to offer Stellate Ganglion blocks as an option!
Lipov EG, Jacobs R, Springer S, Candido KD, Knezevic NN. Utility of Cervical Sympathetic Block in Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Multiple Cohorts: A Retrospective Analysis. Pain Physician. 2022 Jan;25(1):77-85. PMID: 35051147. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35051147/
Lynch JH, Muench P, Okiishi etal. Behavioral health clinicians endorse stellate ganglion block as a valuable intervention in the treatment of trauma-related disorders. Investig Med 2021;0:1-5. doi: 10. 1136/jim-2020-001693
Lynch J, Mulvaney S, Bryan C, Hernandez D. Stellate Ganglion Block Reduces Anxiety Symptoms by Half: A Case Series of 285 Patients. J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13(6), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13060958
A Stellate ganglion block is a minimally invasive, image-guided Post-traumatic stress disorder treatment that provides rapid relief in minutes. Originally used in active service and veteran community, it was found to be effective for 70%–80% of patients with anxiety and PTSD in finding long-term relief! Now this procedure is being used in nearly every community to support patient’s in their mental health journey.
The stellate ganglion readies our body for flight or fight by flooding our body with powerful hormones and neurotransmitters to tackle stress. In some conditions like Post-traumatic stress disorder, the flight or fight response remains in the ON state even when there is no threat!
The stellate ganglion is the key to resetting balance. With a precisely guided injection, we can turn the Stellate ganglia relay center OFF. This reset is a fundamental reset for Post-traumatic stress disorder.
The injection is near the base of the neck and near the front. It typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
You’re positioned on it. And after the skin is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic, the needle is placed gently and guided under ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound shows the needle and stellate ganglion, and makes the procedure safer!
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms typically improve within minutes of completing the procedure.
Yes, and it’s our job to explain them thoroughly!
Fortunately with ultrasound guidance, the risks are minimal. The major risk is if the local anesthetic may cause a seizure. This can be avoided by seeing the blood vessels and using minimal volume. This is rare occuring less than 1 in 10,000 procedures.
There are 2 common side effects:
Because the Stellate ganglion is connected by the blood vessels in the face, nose, and muscles in the eye, once local anesthetic is injected into the Stellate ganglion there are some changes that occur called a Horner’s syndrome. There is facial flushing, nose stuffiness, and eyelid drooping. This proves the injection was performed correctly. These side effects are temporary.
The second side effect is a cough, also temporary.
No. The use of stellate ganglion block for PTSD treatment, Anxiety or COVID is still considered to be an “off-label” despite the information in the literature and will not be reimbursed by any insurance carriers.However, the therapy does fall under the umbrella of a medical expense and we can accept payment from an HSA or FSA account.
Libertas Mind physicians are specially trained to perform the DSR (Dual Sympathetic Reset) approach using advanced image-guided techniques. Every procedure is carried out by Board-Certified Doctor who follow Libertas Mind’s strict medical standards and safety protocols to ensure accuracy and patient comfort.
The entire SGB treatment takes under 20 minutes and is designed to be a safe, efficient, and effective solution for patients. With minimal risk and a smooth recovery process, you can expect a professional and comfortable experience from start to finish.
Libertas Mind uses two FDA-approved local anesthetics during the SGB procedure — Bupivacaine, commonly used for epidurals and dental treatments, and Ropivacaine, widely used during surgery and labor. Both are trusted for their safety, reliability, and effectiveness.
$700 per injection for in office, light oral sedation
$850 per injection for IV sedation in a hospital setting
Risks -however rare – include cough, seizure, collapsed lung, numb arms lasting for hours, temporary weakness or numbness from neck down, nerve damage, and bruising at the injection sire.
This is an expected side effect that comes from numbing the stellate ganglion!
Changes that can be expected include:
A droopy eyelid, bloodshot eyes, a stuffy nose, and a skin temperature increase on the injected site.
There may be light discomfort since the doctor needs to press on your neck to locate the injection site. A very small needle is used. The local anesthetic may sting. We can offer you an oral sedative prior to the procedure.
The procedure usually takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete. An IV will started after you sign a consent form. Your vitals are checked pre and post procedure. Skin temperature monitors will be placed on both of your hands. A DSB is usually done with the patient lying down, head turned to the left. After the neck is cleaned, the doctor will use an ultrasound to scan your anatomy.
After the injection, your neck may feel tender or bruised. You may also notice a bit of unbalance. If your arms become numb or heavy, you may use a sling until the feeling passes – usually around 4 to 6 hours. Pain medications may also be prescribed.
After the procedure, you will be advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery.
Results can be felt as quickly as 30 minutes following the procedure and can last for years. This immediate reduction in symptoms, along with a long-lasting sense of calm, can also provide a better environment for additional treatment opportunities like psychological counseling.
Libertas Mind staff will call to check on you.
Integration follow up sessions with our Health coaches are important for getting the best outcome. Health coaches are one of the key check in points determining what type of future therapy – medical, interventional or psychosocial is the right option for you.
Learn more about the different treatment options available.
Unfortunately, trauma is an abundant feature of our daily lives. Chronic stress in any form – pain or depression – induces profound and negative changes in a patient’s underlying neurochemistry occur. These pervasive change undermines a healthy nervous system’s ability to cope with stress or pain…
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