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. The research supports that the block lasts about 4 months with no trauma therapy afterward and that with trauma therapy the block lasts much longer at 12-24+ months.
What is the success rate of SGB?
The SGB treats the physical 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.
Two assessments are done before an SGB as well as one week post SGB and one month post. 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. James Lynch, who is an exceptional medical professional offering this procedure. Dr. Lynch root’s are in family medicine followed by serving as a psychic in the army and specializing in the use of medical procedures guided by ultrasound. Dr. Lynch is trauma-informed and demonstrates an outstanding bedside manner, showing genuine concern for his patients. Dr. Lynch has been providing the SGB for more than 15 years in the community and is deeply passionate about helping as many people as possible. 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. The SGB offers a reset for clients and the ability to return to therapy to “do the work.” 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.
Cost?
The cost for a right-sided Stellate Ganglion Block is $1,000. If a patient elects to receive a bilateral (double) block, the additional left-sided procedure is offered at a reduced rate of $600, bringing the total to $1,600. This is the most affordable pricing currently available on the market for this treatment with financing available through Care Credit if need be.
Grants may be available to help cover the cost of the SGB. For details on availability, eligibility, and application, contact Lauren Bittner at laurenbittner@nourishtherapyandwellness.org Third party funding resources can also be found directly on Dr. Lynch’s website at https://drjameslynch.com/donate/
Want to learn more?
To learn more about the SGB for the treatment of PTSD, anxiety and panic visit Dr. James Lynch’s websites listed below. The website details 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 Dr. Lynch for clients receiving the SGB procedure for PTSD, anxiety and panic. Dr. Lynch is one of the nation’s leaders in the SGB as a treatment for trauma. He has an excellent bed side manner and provides clear, thorough and safe treatment. Specific assessments (GAD-7 and PCL-5) are completed before the SGB and after the SGB in order to mark symptom reduction and track overall progress.
Dr. James Lynch’s website below lists more detailed information about SGB, current scientific research, risks, cost, testimonials and links to his Youtube channel describing everything you need to know in detail.
Dr. James Lynch in Gambrills, Maryland https://drjameslynch.com/stellate-ganglion-block-for-ptsd/
Testimonials
The testimonials below are directly sourced from Dr. Lynch’s and Dr. Mulvaney’s website
