Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is an injection of local anesthetic next to a group of nerves in the neck that helps drive the body’s “fight or flight” response. Some people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) receive SGB for symptoms such as feeling constantly on edge, being easily startled and trouble sleeping. It is used alongside mental-health treatment, never in place of it, and it is not a cure for PTSD.
This article explains what SGB is, how it is used for PTSD at Loop Medical Center, what the procedure involves, and what to ask before deciding whether it fits your care.
What is PTSD?
PTSD can develop after a person lives through or witnesses a traumatic event. Common symptoms include flashbacks and unwanted memories, avoiding reminders of the event, changes in mood and thinking, and feeling keyed up: being easily startled, irritable, on guard or unable to sleep. These symptoms can affect work, relationships and daily life.
PTSD is treated by mental-health professionals, most often with trauma-focused therapy and sometimes with medication. If you have PTSD symptoms and are not yet seeing a mental-health provider, that is the place to start.
What is a stellate ganglion block?
The stellate ganglion is a cluster of nerves on each side of the neck, near the voice box. It is part of the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body to react to stress. A stellate ganglion block places local anesthetic next to the ganglion, which quiets the signals it sends for as long as the anesthetic works.
Dr. Elbaridi uses stellate ganglion block for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) types 1 and 2 and for chronic intractable pain that hasn’t responded to other treatment. He also uses it for PTSD, major depression, anxiety and substance use disorder, alongside the patient’s mental-health treatment. Read more on our stellate ganglion block page.
How SGB is used for PTSD
For PTSD, depression, anxiety and substance use, stellate ganglion block is an off-label use with emerging evidence. That means it is not an approved indication for the medicine used, and research on it is still developing. Results vary from person to person, and we make no promises about outcomes.
At Loop Medical Center, SGB for PTSD is always part of a plan that includes your mental-health care:
- You keep seeing your therapist, psychiatrist or other mental-health provider before and after the block.
- Dr. Elbaridi coordinates with that provider, and with your primary care doctor, before scheduling a block.
- The block is offered when it may help you take part in that treatment, not as a replacement for it.
What happens during the procedure
Your first visit is a consultation, not a procedure. Dr. Elbaridi reviews your history, current treatment and medications, examines you and explains whether SGB fits your plan.
On the day of the block, a fine needle is guided next to the stellate ganglion in the front of the neck and local anesthetic is injected. Every procedure is performed under fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance. The injection itself takes a few minutes, followed by a short recovery period before you go home. Don’t drive or do any strenuous activity for the next 24 hours; most people return to their normal activities the next day.
Expected effects and risks
Horner’s syndrome and hoarseness are expected, temporary effects of the block. Horner’s syndrome means a droopy eyelid, a smaller pupil and a warm or flushed feeling on the side of the injection.
Less common risks include a seizure if the medicine enters a blood vessel, a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), temporary numbness of the arm, temporary weakness or numbness from the neck down, an allergic reaction to the medicine, nerve damage and bruising where the needle went in. Dr. Elbaridi goes over these with you before the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is stellate ganglion block a cure for PTSD?
No. It is used alongside your mental-health treatment, not in place of it, and results vary. It is an off-label use with emerging evidence.
Do I need to keep seeing my therapist?
Yes. SGB is offered only as part of ongoing mental-health care, and Dr. Elbaridi coordinates with your provider.
Will I be awake for the block?
The block is done with local anesthetic, and light sedation may be used. Dr. Elbaridi will explain what to expect at your consultation.
Is stellate ganglion block covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on medical necessity and on your plan — we verify before your visit. We verify benefits and pre-authorize before your procedure, so there are no surprise bills afterward.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911 right away.
To talk with Dr. Elbaridi about stellate ganglion block, book a consultation at our South Loop or Streeterville office. Meet Dr. Elbaridi.