Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)

The stellate ganglion is the medical term given to the collection of nerves that are located in the front of the neck on both sides of the voice box. These nerves are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which is involved in many crucial messaging functions related to blood flow, heart rate, and even the secretion of sweat. The sympathetic nervous system is also involved in our ‘fight or flight’ responses, which may be indicative of its ability to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and PTSD. When stress is present, the sympathetic nervous system is activated. In conditions where stress is chronic, the nervous system remains on high alert, and that, of course, underscores many of the symptoms of mental health conditions like PTSD.

Doctors can calm the sympathetic nervous system at the stellate ganglion by delivering injections, two of them, roughly ten days apart. After the injections, patients can typically expect relief that lasts for months. Because the block quells the sympathetic nervous system’s overactive fight or flight response, the result is that patients who are suffering from mental health conditions like PTSD and anxiety experience reduced symptoms; they’re less irritable, suffer less panic, and are able to get better sleep.

How Effective is SGB for PTSD?

Many patients experience long-term relief from pain and symptoms of PTSD for months. On the other hand, patients suffering from pain may still experience it when their local anesthetic wears off. The SGB block does reduce their pain, and that often allows them to reduce their pain medications for improved all-around pain management.

For patients suffering from PTSD, anxiety, or depression, the results tend to be quite good with symptom relief occurring anywhere from several weeks to several months. Each patient is different, of course. Some people require a series of SGB treatments in order to enjoy the same relief that other patients experience after their first treatment injections. With each SGB treatment, the relief tends to last longer.