After careful review, our clinic has begun offering Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) Therapy for treatment of chronic anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research on SGB has evolved tremendously, including now numerous peer-reviewed studies showing the efficacy of this treatment option. After reviewing all of this data, our board-certified physicians have started to offer this treatment in our offices in Rockville, Bethesda, Columbia, Reston, Vienna, and Marshall.
The stellate ganglion is a group of nerves found in the last vertebra of the neck, part of the sympathetic nervous system. The SGB procedure injects a long-acting anesthetic to this part of the neck, under ultrasound guidance, and attempts to reset the brain's “fight or flight” mode.
The procedure takes about 15-minutes to conduct, under physician care, and benefits are felt by patients before they leave our office.
“The risk of complications from a stellate ganglion block is very low. However, there could be bruising or soreness at the injection site. Serious complications, including infection, bleeding and nerve damage, are uncommon,” The Cleveland Clinic says.
Is SGB well-researched?
SGB has been tested with patients experiencing severe PTSD for over ten years. After thousands of patients have undergone treatment, the success rate is estimated between 70-80%, with results lasting six months to years when paired with other known methods of psychological treatment (talk therapy, for instance). Please note: Freedom Ketamine Treatment Centers always encourage our patients to keep up with regular therapeutic efforts, including work with counselors, psychiatrists, and other methods not listed here.
For additional evidence of this treatment’s efficacy, see this interview on 60 Minutes with a leading physician using SGB on veterans.
If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation with one of our physicians to determine if an SGB is right for you, please contact us to learn more. Freedom Ketamine Treatment Centers has been serving the DMV since 2016, with offices in Rockville, Bethesda, Columbia, Reston, Vienna, and Marshall.
The Stellate Ganglion Block, which is a collection of nerves located at the base of your neck, connects to the body’s parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system, making it an ideal place to treat pain symptoms that radiate throughout the body.