Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD, anxiety and panic
What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a minimally invasive medical procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a group of nerves located in the neck. This procedure is guided with ultrasound technology and has shown very promising result for the treatment of PTSD, anxiety, panic and long covid symptoms.
This block can help bring relief to the physical symptoms associated with trauma, such as anxiety, sleep issues, lack of focus, hyperarousal, muscle tension, racing heart and intrusive thoughts. The SGB works by re-setting the sympathetic nervous system's survival response. By re-setting this part of the nervous system, individuals have “more breathing room” when it comes to their physical and emotional distress. This immediately improves quality of life and allows for individuals to dive deeper into traditional trauma therapies that may have been too triggering to complete in the past.
The SGB has been used as an evidenced based and safe treatment for chronic pain since 1925. The concept of blocking nerve signals to relieve pain began gaining traction in the early 1900s. Anesthetics were used for various nerve blocks, but the specific targeting of the stellate ganglion emerged later. Throughout its history, SGB has evolved from a technique primarily focused on pain relief to a potential therapeutic intervention for psychological conditions, reflecting the ongoing exploration of the connections between the nervous system, pain, and emotional health.
How does it work?
The stellate ganglion is part of the sympathetic nervous system, which is involved in the body's stress response. By blocking the nerves in this area, the procedure aims to reduce the hyperarousal and anxiety symptoms commonly associated with PTSD. The SGB procedure is typically considered when other treatments, like therapy or medication, have not been effective. After every SGB, clients will experience short term Horner's syndrome which is completely normal. Horner's syndrome is the temporary drooping of the eye on whatever side the SGB was injected on and is a positive reaction because it confirms that the nerve has been completely relaxed and reset and indicates that the SGB has been successful. The side effect does not typically last more than 8 hours after the procedure. Some clients see tremendous long lasting results of the SGB, while others may need follow up SGB procedures depending on exposure to stress and trauma and their individual anatomy. Many clients report 8-24 months of drastic symptom reduction.
What is the success rate of SGB?
The SGB treats the psychical aspects of trauma, anxiety and panic. Dr. Lynch carefully screens potential patients to select those that have the best chance of having success with SGB. In a properly selected patient, the published success rate is over 85% (defined by significant improvements in the PCL-5 score). Performing an SGB on both sides of the neck seems to be more effective than an SGB on one side alone based on recent research.
Both of the medical doctors that Nourish recommends have clients complete two assessments before their SGB, one week post SGB and one month SGB in order to record details and individualized records of overall symptom relief as well as to identify which specific anxiety and trauma symptoms were most improved by the SGB. The PCL-5, or the PTSD Checklist is a self-report measure used to assess symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It evaluates how often an individual has experienced trauma symptoms pertaining to intrusion, avoidance, negative thinking and mood and hyperarousal. The GAD-7, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7, is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess the severity of generalized anxiety symptoms such as feeling nervous, trouble relaxing, constant worry, irritation and restlessness.
Nourish & SGB
Nourish Therapy & Wellness has collaborated with the nation’s top doctors in using Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) as a treatment for trauma and severe stress. We highly recommend Dr. Mulvaney and Dr. Lynch, who are both exceptional medical professionals offering this procedure. They are trauma-informed and demonstrate outstanding bedside manners, showing genuine concern for their patients. Nourish has seen the tremendous relief SGB has brought to many clients who were suffering with the physical symptoms of trauma. SGB treats the root-cause of biological nervous system issues that mental health therapy cannot. Together, the combination of SGB and trauma therapy results in the best outcomes for clients seeking healing from trauma. anxiety and panic.
Nourish has witnessed firsthand the remarkable effects of SGB on clients whose nervous systems were chronically dysregulated and unresponsive to traditional talk therapy. Research indicates a significant reduction in the physical symptoms of trauma, stress, and panic among clients, with the best outcomes occurring when clients also engage in mental health therapy. For optimal results, we advise clients to rest for at least 24 hours following the procedure.
Additionally, new research has identified SGB as a beneficial treatment for long COVID, helping many clients regain their sense of taste and smell and alleviate brain fog.
Want to learn more?
To learn more about the SGB for the treatment of PTSD, anxiety and panic visit Dr. Mulvaney and Dr Lynch’s websites listed below. Each website lists detailed information about the procedure, patient testimonials, scientific research, benefits and risks, cost and other logistics.
Nourish’s founder and clinical director, Lauren Bittner, is happy to connect with you personally if you would like to learn more about the SGB. You can connect with Lauren at laurenbittner@nourishtherapyandwellness.org
Nourish has worked closely with Dr. Mulvaney and Dr. Lynch for clients receiving the SGB procedure for PTSD, anxiety and panic. Both Dr. Mulvaney and Dr. Lynch are the nation’s leaders in the SGB as a treatment for trauma. They have excellent bed side manners and provide clear, thorough and safe treatment. Both physicians have clients complete specific assessments before the SGB and after the SGB in order to mark symptom reduction and track overall progress.
Both SGB provider’s websites are listed below. Each website lists more detailed information about SGB, current scientific research, risks, cost, testimonials and links to the doctors describing everything you need to know in detail.
Dr. Sean Mulvaney in Annapolis, Maryland https://sgbtreatmentcenter.com
Dr. James Lynch in Gambrills, Maryland https://drjameslynch.com/stellate-ganglion-block-for-ptsd/
Testimonials of the Stellate Ganglion Block to treat trauma, anxiety & panic
The testimonials below are sourced from both Dr. Mulvaney and Dr. Lynch’s medical practice websites
“After getting SGBs, I finally am living the life I dreamed of. Thank you Dr. Mulvaney!” I struggled over a decade with my PTSD from military trauma and I thought my life would always just be depressing and not worth living. I decided I wanted to live a life worth living for my children, my husband and myself. From the moment I met with Dr. Mulvaney I knew I was in great hands. He was kind, compassionate and truly has an understanding of PTSD and triggers. He explained every little detail to me of what he was doing throughout the procedure, which helped put me at ease. After getting SGBs, I finally am living the life I dreamed of. Thank you Dr. Mulvaney!”
-Amber
Skeptical At First, But Felt Results Immediately
“I was very skeptical about this treatment but after trying it myself not only am I a believer, but I have recommended this doctor to everyone I know personally who is struggling with the symptoms of PTSD. Dr. Mulvaney is very compassionate, kind, understanding and made me feel very comfortable voicing my thoughts and concerns about the treatment. He eased my fears and unlike every other treatment I’ve attempted, he provided a real solution for my problems: the SGB shot. My symptoms have not only improved, but so far have disappeared. Very happy with my experience!!!! I’d also like to add that the procedure is so simple and easy and I felt results IMMEDIATELY!”
-Chantelle
“This treatment has given me my life back My experience at The Stellate Institute was wonderful and miraculous! Dr. Lynch cared for me with compassion, understanding and patience. He is kind, understanding, thorough and he explained each step of the procedure. I got immediate results and relief and it continues today. I had no side effects only the constant smile on my face and a sense of complete peace! This treatment has given me my life back. I recommend having the SGB to anyone suffering with trauma and the effects of PTSI. Get yourself free from it and begin to live again!”
-Barbara
Dr. Lynch was the best
“This procedure was a game changer. My numbers were 76/80 and are now 27/80 one week out. Dr. Lynch was the best. If you want to improve your life please have the S.G.B.”
-Dave