For those living with PTSD and anxiety, finding quick relief can feel impossible—until now. Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGB) offer a promising new approach by calming the overactive nervous system that drives stress-related disorders. While many treatments take weeks or months to show results, SGB delivers rapid relief, offering a potential breakthrough for those struggling with mental health challenges.
In this blog, we’ll break down what a stellate ganglion block is, how it works, and the conditions it treats. We’ll also explore the benefits and drawbacks of the procedure and discuss who might benefit most from this innovative treatment. As research continues to uncover its full potential, SGB could become a vital tool in mental health care, offering new hope to those seeking relief.
What Is a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)?
A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is an injection of local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves in the neck that plays a key role in regulating the body’s stress response. By temporarily “resetting” these nerves, the procedure can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and even some chronic pain conditions.
How Does a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) Work to Relieve Symptoms?
The autonomic nervous system has two branches: the sympathetic (“fight-or-flight”) and the parasympathetic (“rest-and-digest”). In conditions like PTSD and severe anxiety, the sympathetic system remains overactive. SGB interrupts this cycle, calming the nervous system and reducing symptoms like hypervigilance, panic, and insomnia—often within minutes to hours.
What Conditions Can a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) Treat?
SGB is an innovative treatment gaining recognition for its ability to regulate the body’s stress response and nervous system function. It’s most commonly used to help manage:
- PTSD and trauma-related disorders
- Severe anxiety and panic disorders
- Long COVID symptoms (autonomic dysfunction)
- Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Migraines and other chronic pain conditions
When Is a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) Recommended?
SGB is recommended for individuals who have struggled to find relief from traditional treatments like therapy and medication. It may be especially beneficial if you:
- Have treatment-resistant PTSD symptoms – If flashbacks, hypervigilance, or anxiety persist despite therapy and medication, SGB may offer rapid relief.
- Struggle with medication side effects – Some people experience unwanted side effects from anxiety medications or find them ineffective. SGB offers an alternative by targeting the body’s stress response directly.
While SGB for PTSD and Anxiety is not a first-line treatment, it can be life-changing for those who have exhausted other options and are seeking a new path to relief.
Who Should Avoid Getting a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)?
Although SGB is a safe and well-tolerated procedure for many, certain conditions may increase risks or reduce its effectiveness. You may need to consider alternative treatments if you:
- Have an active infection or bleeding disorder – Since SGB involves an injection near a nerve cluster, infections or clotting issues could raise the risk of complications.
- Are pregnant – Due to a lack of research on SGB’s effects during pregnancy, it is generally not recommended for expecting parents.
- Have anatomical variations that make the procedure riskier – Structural differences in the neck or nerve pathways may make SGB more difficult or increase potential risks.
If you’re unsure whether SGB is right for you, scheduling a consultation with a specialist can help assess your risks and explore alternative treatments. For those that live in the D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area and want to explore whether this treatment is right for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team.
FDA Approval Status of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)
Although the FDA has not specifically approved SGB for PTSD, it is an off-label but widely accepted treatment with growing clinical support. The military and VA have incorporated it into PTSD treatment programs, and ongoing research continues to validate its effectiveness.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)
Like any treatment, a stellate ganglion block (SGB) comes with both benefits and potential drawbacks. Understanding these can help you decide if it’s the right option for you.
Benefits of Stellate Ganglion Block:
- Fast-acting relief – Many people experience noticeable improvement in their symptoms within hours or days, rather than waiting weeks for traditional treatments to take effect.
- Minimally invasive with little downtime – SGB is a quick outpatient procedure, allowing you to resume most daily activities shortly afterward.
- Long-lasting effects – While results vary, relief from symptoms can last anywhere from several weeks to months, and in some cases, even longer.
- May reduce reliance on medication – If you’ve struggled with the side effects of anxiety or PTSD medications, SGB could provide relief without the need for daily prescriptions.
Drawbacks of Stellate Ganglion Block:
- Effects may wear off over time – While some individuals experience long-term relief, others may need repeat injections for lasting results.
- Potential side effects – Mild and temporary side effects like hoarseness of voice, a drooping eyelid, or slight discomfort at the injection site can occur, though they usually resolve on their own.
- Insurance coverage can be limited – Not all insurance providers cover SGB, which means some patients may have to pay out of pocket.
If you’re considering SGB, speaking with a healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits can help you make an informed decision about whether this treatment is suitable for your needs.
Alternatives to Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) That WIP Offers
At Washington Interventional Psychiatry (WIP), we recognize that SGB treatments may not be for everyone. That’s why we offer a range of cutting-edge mental health treatments for PTSD and Anxiety relief, including:
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): A non-invasive brain stimulation therapy for depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
- Ketamine Therapy: A breakthrough treatment for depression and trauma-related disorders.
- Medication Management & Psychotherapy: Tailored to your unique needs.
Is SGB Right for You? Call Washington Interventional Psychiatry Today!
Now that you have a better understanding of what a stellate ganglion block (SGB) is, how it works, the conditions it treats, and its benefits and potential risks, we hope you feel more confident in evaluating whether this treatment is right for you or your loved one. While SGB has shown great promise for individuals dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and other stress-related disorders, it’s important to remember that every person’s situation is unique. We strongly recommend discussing your options with a trusted healthcare provider who can help guide you in making the best decision for your health and well-being.
If you’re in the D.C., Maryland, or Virginia (DMV) area, the team at WIP specializes in advanced mental health interventions, including our premier Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) treatment. We’re here to help you overcome PTSD and anxiety with our SGB therapies and other treatment options, supporting your journey toward lasting relief and improved overall well-being.
