A New Frontier in Trauma Recovery

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    • A New Frontier in Trauma Recovery: Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD

    • By Dr. Mike Meng
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    • In the aftermath of trauma, many survivors are left with invisible scars that affect their sleep, relationships, and daily lives. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most challenging conditions to treat, often requiring months of therapy or medications that may only partially relieve symptoms.
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    • A promising treatment known as Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is changing this narrative. SGB is a simple, outpatient procedure performed under ultrasound guidance. By temporarily numbing a bundle of nerves in the neck called the stellate ganglion, clinicians can “reset” the body’s overactive fight-or-flight system.

How Does It Work?

  • The stellate ganglion is part of the sympathetic nervous system, which drives the body’s stress response.
  • In PTSD, this system remains stuck in overdrive, causing hypervigilance, anxiety, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
  • SGB calms this response by lowering norepinephrine levels and restoring balance to the nervous system (Lipov & Ritchie, 2012; Mulvaney et al., 2014).

 

Why Is It Important?

Clinical research from the Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and multiple medical centers shows that SGB can provide rapid relief of PTSD symptoms—sometimes within hours. Patients often report improved sleep, decreased anxiety, and reduced intrusive memories. While results vary, many individuals experience lasting benefits that make therapy and recovery more attainable (Rae Olmsted et al., 2020).

 

Safety and Effectiveness

Performed by trained clinicians using ultrasound, SGB has a strong safety record. Side effects are usually temporary and mild, such as drooping eyelid or nasal stuffiness. Unlike medications, it is non-addictive and avoids the burden of daily pills (Fudim et al., 2021).

 

The Bigger Picture

SGB does not replace counseling or traditional therapies, but it can jumpstart the healing process for people suffering from stress, PTSD, and anxiety. It may provide relief that opens the door to deeper recovery.

Takeaway: Stellate ganglion block is more than a medical procedure—it is a beacon of hope for trauma survivors. By calming the nervous system and restoring balance, SGB offers a pathway to healing that is both rapid and sustainable.

 

Curious if you could benefit from PTSD treatment?

Take an assessment from the National Center for PTSD by clicking HERE.

 

What does my score mean?

A total score of 31-33 or higher suggests the patient may benefit from PTSD treatment.

Scores lower than 31-33 may indicate the patient either has subthreshold symptoms of PTSD or does not meet criteria for PTSD, and this information should be incorporated into treatment planning.

 

Want to learn more about Stellate Ganglion Blocks?

When the body’s stress response stays “switched on” for too long, it can lead to exhaustion, tension, and a constant state of survival mode. In this live demonstration, Dr. Mike Meng shares how Stellate Ganglion Block therapy helps restore balance to the nervous system. 👉 Watch the full video HERE.

 

References

  • Fudim, M., Boortz-Marx, R. L., Ganesh, A., et al. (2021). Stellate ganglion blockade for the treatment of refractory ventricular arrhythmias: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology, 7(5), 760–769.
  • Lipov, E., & Ritchie, E. C. (2012). A review of the use of stellate ganglion block in the treatment of PTSD. Current Psychiatry Reports, 14(5), 480–486.
  • Mulvaney, S. W., McLean, B., de Leeuw, J. B., et al. (2014). The use of stellate ganglion block in the treatment of deployed soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder: A case series. Military Medicine, 179(10), 1133–1140.
  • Rae Olmsted, K. L., Bartoszek, M., Mulvaney, S., et al. (2020). Effect of stellate ganglion block treatment on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(2), 130–138.

 

Schedule with Dr Mike by clicking HERE.

 

He will next be at Nourish on:

Monday, October 27, 2025

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Tuesday, January 13, 2026