Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Stellate Ganglion Injection for PTSD
1746874260
A Stellate Ganglion Injection is a procedure that helps manage PTSD symptoms like anxiety by calming part of the nervous system. It targets a nerve group in the neck called the stellate ganglion, which regulates the “fight-or-flight” response. In PTSD, this can become overactive, increasing anxiety and stress.
The procedure is simple, usually taking less than 30 minutes. You'll lie on your back while the neck area is cleaned and numbed. Using imaging like ultrasound or X-ray, a doctor inserts a thin needle near the stellate ganglion and injects a local anesthetic to block nerve signals, helping "reset" the nervous system and ease stress. Relief can appear within minutes to hours.
While promising, this is not the primary treatment for PTSD and is considered when other therapies don’t work. The injection is not FDA-approved for PTSD, and research on its long-term effectiveness is ongoing.
There are risks, including temporary side effects like drooping eyelids, a hoarse voice, or facial warmth. Serious complications like infection or nerve damage are rare. After the procedure, you'll need at least 24 hours of rest.
This treatment may provide relief but is not a cure. Other therapies like cognitive processing therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) remain important for many with PTSD.
If PTSD symptoms impact your life, talk to our medical team to see if a Stellate Ganglion Injection could be an option for you.
FAQs
Are there any risks or side effects associated with the Stellate Ganglion Injection?
Yes, there are potential risks and side effects. Common temporary side effects include drooping eyelids, a hoarse voice, or facial warmth. Although serious complications such as infection or nerve damage are rare, they can occur. It is important for patients to discuss these risks with their healthcare provider prior to undergoing the procedure.
How long does it take to feel relief from PTSD symptoms after the injection?
Relief from PTSD symptoms such as anxiety and intrusive thoughts can occur quite rapidly, typically within minutes to hours after the procedure. The benefits can last for weeks to months, though some patients may require repeat injections to maintain symptom control.
Is the Stellate Ganglion Injection a cure for PTSD?
No, the Stellate Ganglion Injection is not a cure for PTSD. While it may provide significant symptom relief, it is typically considered when other treatments, such as psychotherapy or medications, have not been effective. It is crucial to continue with other therapies, like cognitive processing therapy or EMDR, for ongoing management of PTSD.
What is a Stellate Ganglion Injection and how does it help with PTSD?
A Stellate Ganglion Injection is a medical procedure that involves injecting a local anesthetic near a nerve cluster in the neck known as the stellate ganglion. This nerve group plays a key role in regulating the body's "fight-or-flight" response. The injection aims to "reset" the overactive nervous system in PTSD patients, helping to alleviate symptoms like anxiety and stress.
Who might be a candidate for the Stellate Ganglion Injection for PTSD?
Candidates for the Stellate Ganglion Injection are usually individuals whose PTSD symptoms have not adequately responded to conventional treatments such as trauma-focused therapies or medications. This procedure is considered an experimental treatment and is generally recommended for those with treatment-resistant PTSD. Patients should consult their medical team to determine their eligibility and discuss the potential benefits and risks.