In this video, Dr Wells guides patients in choosing between ketamine infusions and a stellate ganglion block – or both – for treating PTSD.
Watch the video and see the summary below.
Who benefits from Which treatment?
Are you a good candidate for a stellate ganglion block, should you try ketamine instead, or should you do both.
It is important to keep in mind that stellate ganglion blocks block the sympathetic nervous system, but only block the sympathetic nervous system. For very high-anxiety states, hypervigilance, and the physical symptoms of PTSD, stellate ganglion blocks may work well as a treatment method. For these symptoms, and especially if you only have PTSD, stellate ganglion blocks may be a good first treatment option.
If you have had long-standing chronic PTSD and habitual anxiety, OCD, or depression symptoms have resulted from the PTSD, ketamine may be a better option to try first. Ketamine can help with a wider range of conditions, including PTSD, major depression, OCD, and anxiety. When patients have tried ketamine and feel that their depression is easing up a bit but they are still dealing with the physical symptoms of PTSD, adding a stellate ganglion block to ketamine can be very helpful.
In either case, if you have lingering symptoms, or if you want to be more certain that you’re doing everything you can to treat your PTSD, then moving forward with both treatments together or in series may make sense.
We include disclaimers, and would like to reinforce, that the information here is only for informational purposes and should not be relied on for making medical decisions. Please be sure to consult with us and your other providers before choosing a course of treatments for your specific needs.
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.
