Many people notice relief right away, and results often last 3 to 6 months or longer.
What is a stellate ganglion block?
A stellate ganglion block (SGB) is a nerve block procedure that acts as a ‘reset’ for your sympathetic nervous system. SGBs may be helpful to treat symptoms of PTSD, hypervigilant anxiety, and other conditions – particularly for symptoms related to hyperarousal and an overactive fight-or-flight response.
The procedure itself is quite brief. The physician provides local numbing medicine and then places injections of nerve block medication at the stellate ganglion nerve bundle in the neck using ultrasound guidance for placement.
Results From the SGB Are Often Immediate
Many people experience near-instant results from the stellate ganglion block. Other people may notice improvements over days or weeks following a block.
Immediately following a stellate ganglion block you are likely to see side effects of the block including numbness, a droopy eye, hoarse throat, and other changes to one side of your head. These typically peak within the first 30 minutes of the procedure and gradually diminish over 24 hours. Alongside the emergence of these side effects, some patients notice a sense of calm or relaxation wash over them. We often hear patients say, “Oh, it’s so quiet.”
For other patients, these effects may be easier to identify over the next few days as they go about their everyday lives. They may notice that they are less reactive to their usual triggers for anxiety or that they have an easier time falling asleep. These changes may take time to identify, or may take time to settle in. Just as it can take time for a smoke alarm to stop chirping after a fire has been extinguished, it may take time for the feedback loops created by the sympathetic nervous system to settle and stop sending signals of stress.
If you don’t see noticeable changes within a few days of a right-sided block, we often recommend trying the left side. We typically administer a right-sided SGB first, as approximately 80% of patients who benefit from the procedure see the strongest response from a block on the right side. The other 20% of patients experience a stronger response from a left-sided SGB.
A single block may be sufficient and requires less time and expense. However, you may see stronger, more durable results from blocks on both sides (performed on different days). Bilateral blocks provide the best chance of strong and durable results.
Results from the SGB are Durable
Relief from a stellate ganglion block likely lasts around three to six months for many people. There is some data, and particularly anecdotal reports, that relief can last even longer than that. This is probably especially true for people who are able to leverage the benefits of the treatment to make strides in therapy and other lifestyle changes.
If you do need additional stellate ganglion blocks, it is important to remember that this is not a failure. Some people respond well with a single block on one side. Others respond well with bilateral blocks. Some people repeat the procedure regularly (like going to the dentist for a cleaning every 6 months) while others find that they do not need to repeat the blocks over time.
Results vary from person to person. The benefits you see are likely influenced by multiple factors in your life, including other therapies or treatments you’re receiving and lifestyle factors that affect your symptoms. The period of improved symptom reduction after the stellate ganglion block can be a great time to evaluate and adjust these things. This can be a good opportunity to do lab work, review medications, and evaluate other medical and lifestyle factors that may be influencing your symptoms.
There is no guarantee of good results, and this is not a replacement for conventional first-line treatments and therapies, but many people who are a good fit for the procedure do see meaningful improvement. You may see good results even when it has been difficult to find other treatments that work. The quick procedure, fast action, and long-lasting relief for many people make the stellate ganglion block an valuable treatment option.
About Us
Wells Medicine is a Houston-based practice designed to provide meaningful care for mental health. Providing targeted interventional treatments for Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD and other conditions, with Ketamine Treatments, Stellate Ganglion Blocks, TMS, and Nitrous-Oxide Treatments. Focused on comprehensive care and integration with Psychiatry, Psychology, and Support Services. We are evidence-based, patient-focused and mission-driven.
The content here is for informational purposes and should not be relied upon for medical decisions. For the details of your specific medical conditions and treatments consult your doctors or other qualified healthcare professionals.
