Synopsis: Curious about the stellate ganglion block for PTSD? This blog breaks down how it works, what to expect before and after the procedure, and who may benefit most. We’ll also explore how SGB fits into a comprehensive treatment plan alongside other therapies like ketamine.
Introducing the Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD
Are you or someone you care about struggling with lingering PTSD symptoms despite trying multiple treatments? If so, there’s a promising procedure worth knowing about: the stellate ganglion block (SGB). This innovative outpatient treatment may help ease PTSD symptoms by calming the body’s overactive stress response.
In this blog, we’ll explore what SGB is, the science behind how it works, and what you can expect if you’re considering it as a treatment option.
PTSD and the Role of the Stellate Ganglion Block
If you're considering this treatment option, it helps to understand how PTSD affects the body. PTSD can keep the fight-or-flight response permanently switched on, leading to chronic hyperarousal or hypervigilance.
In other words, people with PTSD may feel constantly on edge, anxious, or ready to respond to danger even in moments when they’re actually safe. This overreaction is driven by the sympathetic nervous system, which can get stuck in overdrive and make it incredibly difficult to relax or feel at ease.
This is where the stellate ganglion block (SGB) comes in. SGB is a medical procedure that involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion—a bundle of nerves located in the neck that plays a key role in regulating the sympathetic nervous system.
By temporarily blocking nerve signals in this area, the SGB may help reset the body's overactive stress response, offering the brain and body a much-needed break from constant alertness.
Turning down the volume on your stress response: SGB may help regulate and calm the brain’s fear center.
How Does the Stellate Ganglion Block Address PTSD Symptoms?
The stellate ganglion sends signals to areas of the brain such as the amygdala and hippocampus. Which are involved in stress and fear responses. By temporarily interrupting these signals, the stellate ganglion block may help reduce levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter linked to the body’s stress and anxiety response.
Think of it like turning down the volume on a loudspeaker that’s constantly broadcasting stress signals.
Studies have shown that SGB can create a calming effect and may reduce PTSD symptoms for weeks or even months. The procedure itself is relatively quick, usually taking 15 to 30 minutes. This procedure is always performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and safety
Some patients report immediate relief following the procedure, while others may begin to notice improvements within hours or days after.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After the stellate ganglion block, patients often experience temporary effects known as Horner’s syndrome. This may include a droopy eyelid, redness in the eye, nasal congestion, and a sensation of warmth or increased temperature typically on the same side of the face where the injection was given.
Some people may also notice a hoarse voice or a sensation like a lump in the throat.
These effects are expected and temporary, typically lasting four to six hours. As the local anesthetic wears off, these symptoms gradually fade and everything returns to baseline. Except the fight-or-flight response, which often remains “turned down” as part of the desired therapeutic effect.
Before trying an SGB for PTSD, make sure you're a good candidate. Certain health conditions may increase risks.
Stellate Ganglion Block Isn’t for Everyone: Who Should Avoid It?
While the stellate ganglion block (SGB) can be an effective option for managing PTSD, it’s not suitable for everyone. This procedure may be especially helpful for patients with persistent symptoms who haven’t found relief with other treatments. However there are some important exceptions.
Individuals who may not be ideal candidates for SGB include those with:
Recent Heart Attack: Manipulating the sympathetic nervous system may increase risk following a recent cardiac event.
Bleeding Disorders or Anticoagulant Use: Because the injection site is near vital blood vessels, patients who bruise or bleed easily. Also those who are taking blood thinners face higher complication risks.
Glaucoma: SGB may potentially worsen intraocular pressure and affect blood flow to the eye.
Severe Emphysema: Lung-related complications may be aggravated during the procedure.
Heart Conduction Abnormalities: For individuals with known electrical conduction issues, the SGB may exacerbate symptoms.
Because of these above reasons, this is why a comprehensive evaluation with a specialist trained in administering stellate ganglion blocks is essential before beginning treatment.
SGB targets the hardware (nervous system), while ketamine supports the software (emotions) - together offering synergistic relief for PTSD.
SGB + Ketamine Therapy: A Synergistic Approach to PTSD Treatment
One of the most exciting aspects of the stellate ganglion block (SGB) is its ability to work synergistically with other PTSD treatments, including psychotherapy, medications, and ketamine therapy.
For some patients, SGB helps regulate the body’s physiological stress response by calming the sympathetic nervous system. This can pave the way for therapies like ketamine to do deeper emotional and psychological work.
A helpful analogy:
💡 SGB works on the hardware (your nervous system), while ketamine works on the software (your brain and emotional processing).
When combined, these therapies may offer a more balanced and holistic approach - helping patients feel calmer in their bodies and more receptive to emotional healing.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Path for PTSD Relief
To wrap it all up, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) offer a promising and often underutilized option for treating PTSD, especially when combined with other modalities like ketamine therapy or psychotherapy. These approaches aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they can work comprehensively and synergistically to calm the body’s stress response and support emotional healing.
We hope this blog helped you better understand what the stellate ganglion block is, how it works, and why it may be worth exploring as part of a personalized PTSD treatment plan.
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Can KetamineTreatments Make PTSD Worse?
Wondering if ketamine therapy could actually make PTSD symptoms worse? This blog explores the research-backed benefits of ketamine for PTSD, the potential risks of unprepared treatment, and how to ensure safe, effective care. Plus, we introduce an alternative option (stellate ganglion blocks) for those seeking a non-psychedelic approach to healing.
Curious about the stellate ganglion block for PTSD? This blog breaks down how it works, what to expect before and after the procedure, and who may benefit most. We’ll also explore how SGB fits into a comprehensive treatment plan alongside other therapies like ketamine.
