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.