The New Miracle Treatment for PTSD
Reduce PTSD symptoms including anxiety and hypervigilance.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops in response to extreme stress, serious injury, and/or emotional trauma. The sympathetic nervous system ("fight or flight") has been known to play a part in PTSD. Extra nerves of this system grow after extreme trauma, leading to elevated levels of norepinephrine (an adrenaline-like substance), which activates the amygdala (fear center of the brain). This chain of events results in PTSD symptoms that may persist for years.
Treating PTSD
A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is an injection into the stellate ganglion nerves which are part of the sympathetic nervous system. SGB "reboots" the sympathetic nervous system to its pre-trauma state, similar to a computer reboot. In the brain, norepinephrine levels are rapidly reduced and the extra nerve growth is removed. SGB is not a "cure" for PTSD; however, the symptoms may be controlled for an extended period of time by using this approach.
Real Science
In collaboration with neuroscientists and clinical observations, the SGB procedure has current success rates in the 85% to 90% range. As an example, one soldier with severe PTSD was treated over 10 years ago and is still doing well. Some patients report relief of symptoms in as little as 30 minutes.
Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD
Who ? - Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGB) are used for patients who experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). More than 7 million adults throughout the USA suffer from PTSD.
What ? - Stellate Ganglion Block can relieve the symptoms of PTSD in as little as 30 minutes and the results can last for years. SGB is an injection of a numbing medication around the stellate ganglion nerves, which is part of the sympathetic nervous system.
Why ? - SGB “reboots” the sympathetic nervous system to its pre-trauma state, similar to a computer reboot. In the brain, norepinephrine levels are rapidly reduced and the brain begins to heal. SGB is not a cure for PTSD; however, the symptoms may be controlled for years using this approach.
Where ? - The sympathetic nervous system is located in your neck, on the side of your voice box. With x-ray guidance, the doctor will insert a thin needle into your neck and carefully inject a local anesthetic medication.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Usually the procedure takes less than 30 minutes, you can go home the same day after being monitored in the recovery room.
Some patients report relief of symptoms in as little as 30 minutes and lasts for years.
Do not schedule Physical Therapy or Chiropractic appointments the same day as the procedure.
Please advise your physician if you are on a blood thinner.
You must receive specific instructions on when to temporarily discontinue the medication.
Do not take more than 81 mg of aspirin per day for the 7 days prior to the injection.
Wear short sleeves and loose comfortable clothing such as sweats and a tee shirt for lower back procedures or a thin strapped tank top for neck procedures. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown prior to the procedure.
Please talk to us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the procedure before your appointment.
Our physicians have extensive training and experience. They are highly proficient in diagnosing and treating painful conditions.
Dr. T. Daniel Dibble
Dr. Greg Crisp
Dr. Nathan Sneddon
Additional Questions?
Call 509.363.3100 and ask about our Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD today!
FAQ's
Does stellate ganglion block work for anxiety?
While SGB is not specifically intended for the treatment of anxiety, there is some evidence to suggest that it may have a positive impact on anxiety symptoms in certain individuals. By blocking the sympathetic activity in the stellate ganglion, SGB may have an effect on anxiety-related symptoms.