PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, often characterized by symptoms such as hypervigilance, flashbacks, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. At HealthQuest Wellness in Orange County, California, Christopher Romig MD, and the team offer Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGB) as a promising treatment for PTSD. Schedule an appointment online or call the office today to learn how you can benefit from SGB.

How SGB works for PTSD:

SGB involves injecting a local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion, a collection of nerves in the neck that are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the "fight or flight" response. In individuals with PTSD, the sympathetic nervous system can become overactive, contributing to heightened stress and anxiety. The block temporarily numbs these nerves, which can "reset" the sympathetic nervous system, reducing symptoms of hyperarousal and anxiety. 

SGB is often used to treat:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, COVID long haul syndrome 

Evidence of SGB in PTSD:

Symptom relief: several studies & clinical trials have reported significant reductions in PTSD symptoms following an SGB. Patients have reported improvements in mood, anxiety levels, sleep, and overall quality of life. 

Rapid onset: One of the key advantages of SGB is that many patients experience relief within hours to days after the procedure, which can be faster than traditional treatments such as medications or therapy.

Duration of Effects: The effects of SGB can last to months to more than a year, though the duration of symptom relief varies by individual. In some cases, repeat injections are needed to maintain the benefits. 

Why it works:

SGB is thought to impact the limbic system, a part of the brain involved in processing emotions and fear responses, which is often hyperactive in individuals with PTSD. By blocking the sympathetic nerves, SGB may help reduce the overactivation of the amygdala, & hippocampus which are believed to play a role in PTSD symptoms.

Clinical Use:
SGB is increasingly being offered in clinical settings for PTSD, particularly for veterans and individuals who have not found adequate relief from traditional therapies like psychotherapy or medications. It is often seen as an adjunct to these treatments, rather than a stand-alone cure.

Though more research is needed to fully understand its long-term efficacy and mechanisms, SGB represents a novel, physical intervention that may offer hope for those suffering from PTSD, especially when standard treatments have been insufficient.