What is the Stellate Ganglion Block?

This webcast discusses a new treatment procedure that is being researched for treating veterans and other people suffering from PTSD.

[@mlm7536]

I just got my block yesterday and I experienced a change in me while the block was being performed. At 67 and ptsd from childhood trauma has caused my life to have a dark cast or cloud in my day to day activities and perception of life in general. As the numbing solution being pumped in my neck and my eyes closed it seemed that a light switch had been turned on and it stayed on. It was definitely internal and it hasn't gone away. I am finding things that used to cause me stress or anxiety pass quickly because my perception has shifted. It is like I am anchored now and not being blown around by chaotic winds of life's turbulence. I still use the coping skills I have learned before the block but I don't like I am stuck in the mud as I am living my life. It is kind of scary in a way and I wonder if it will end but so far the light is still on. I am very grateful.

[@Rdn0483]

That is great Ml M, I've added me experience with SGB to these comments also.

[@jhelminski]

I'm a retired federal law enforcement & a survivor of cancer, a career and a life threatening event that causes PTSD like anxiety. I'm one of the lucky ones that can recognize, identify and allow anxieties to pass. PTSD is like the old adage of a "frog sitting in boiling water," you don't know it's there until it is too late and it becomes a life norm. Chemical options mask the symptoms a science based proven option would greatly reduce suicides and violent outburst under stress in the law enforcement profession. If proven to be effective this could be a game changer in the life of many who are continually exposed to constant situational fight/flight scenarios or life threatening conditions. Society has changed and law enforcement has become more violently reactive, with no recognition to the longterm effects on the individual. This could be a true answer. Please continue the research.

[@summerq25]

I love this video! I work for Dr.Lipov and I love to see a different persons view. I have also had SGB and have not had any main issues with my PTSD since 2008.

[@dmc1806]

EXCELLENT WORK thanks for sharing would I be able too go and be a test subject for this, if so how do you apply. Thank you for sharing. FROM DUBLIN CITY IRELAND 🇮🇪

[@fredworthmn]

Interesting new concept. I did some Web research and found out that the reason the VA will not start a study on SGB is that the success rate for the program they have is over 80%. Huh? The last statistic I heard for PTSD success after 2 years is around 6%! Is this why another statistic I read has 18 veterans committing suicide everyday? This doesn't even count the vast number of PTSD sufferers that have given up. The VA uses CBT in its treatment of Vets. All that does is help people cope with the everyday tasks of life, not heal PTSD! Everyday we have to force ourselves to get up and go to work and then use drugs/alcohol to get through to the next day. And then we are criticized for self-medication! (I personally do not use these substances) If I find a facility which will do SGB here in Minnesota for me I will pay for it myself.

[@redlodgemontanaone2349]

+fredworthmn Just found this video and your comment. I have been owned by PTSD my entire 69 years...yes the trauma (life threatening started in the womb) my mother tried to abort me by pounding on her belly! Came out with deformed skull , blind right eye and severe hearing loss 60% due to inner ear problems. I am trying to get help by the SGB injection thru the VA (yes in spite of all that and more I am a Native American Vietnam & Cold War Veteran!) I hope I can get this help as I am at my wits end. Please post here what you have found out. Thanks, Stephen.

[@fredworthmn]

I am can feel your pain about your childhood and birth. I was in Vietnam also. What I found since my post back then is that our condition can be "described" by a lot of people, but that no one has a cure and no group is willing to back the expense of new procedures. There is a book on the drug ECSTACY for use in this sort of treatment, but it is an illegal drug, though common. I am considering using it but I don't want to go to jail. Good luck on your search, mine has not gone so well I have had some success with EMDR, but not total.

[@laramulvaney2270]

DOD is currently funding a study on SGB for PTSD for active duty military at 3 military treatment centers. You can read about the study here: sgbstudy.rti.org/ Once this robust random control trial is complete, hopefully this procedure can become the standard of care and the VA will adopt it.

[@AcidTechnoMan5000]

Fuck the VA

[@AcidTechnoMan5000]

@@laramulvaney2270 bullshit. Where is it? Two years later.

[@lisasays6174]

This is fascinating; in curious how someone with early childhood developmental trauma might respond to this, and if its possible that one may not have a pre-ptsd point to reset to. Have results also shown any change for participants with comorbid depression?

[@Tadesan]

Hey Lisa, this question you asked is very very well phrased and struck a chord with me. How are you? Any leads you would be willing to share? No idea if you will see this or care to respond, but just putting it out there. Best of luck!

[@harrycallahan9143]

Do you think this would cure obsessive thoughts, phobias, disturbing thoughts and other anxiety disorders considering there all anxiety driven..including PTSD?

[@RareGem369]

I wonder if this treatment could be helpful for ppl who suffer with panic disorders like agoraphobia?

[@nataliehalford1182]

Can I be part of a clinical trial for this please..I'm in Ireland..tho

[@winniewinkles]

Wow this is the first I have heard of this! How commonly is it practised now? Does it help those who suffer from Complex Ptsd also? Great video, thank you.

[@MsStormkitty]

I am just as curious as you about that and intend to ask my physician about it. I hate the fight or flight response I still have to startles where my body freezes and locks up. It is very exhausting.I suffer from P.O.T.S ( Postural Orthe-Tachycardia Syndrome ) as well also I end up passing out completely making me even more vulnerable agitating my Complex PTSD.

[@winniewinkles]

Clearly Cheeky Yes the fight/flight is exhausting and distressing isn't it. I've ended up learning transcendental meditation advanced techniques as it is meant to quell/heal ptsd and restore the physiology. The original TM is very gentle for the release of trauma but the advanced stuff is a little more brutalising if you are highly sensitive. Good luck to you with what you are dealing with. Best wishes.

[@MsStormkitty]

It is awesome that you found something that works for you. I have a question for you did you still do manic sleeping before this technique? What I mean by that is where your mind randomly jumps all over while in sleep so you only get about 3 to 5 hours of extremely light sleep. My poor service animal does a vigil with me every time but thank God she is my battle buddy.

[@winniewinkles]

Clearly Cheeky Hi, yes I too have a lot of racing thoughts and my body 'jolting' me awake telling me I'm in danger. It's exhausting isn't it. I mostly wake in the night in this way and either read to distract my mind or do a little TM to get back to sleep. I hope things improve for you. Wishing you the best.

[@MsStormkitty]

I am blessed when I sleep I have my service dog who lets me know what time frame I am actually in and those night terrors are over .How ever the daily freezes and subsequent passing out do not help as I live in a wheelchair. If I could stop the freezes I would be grateful to no end. I wish you well and the best as well.Winnie Winkels

[@nvmSimples]

i would love to try this, is it possible to get in the UK?

[@nataliehalford1182]

Yes it's in the UK

[@liamc7097]

I had it done at the Pain Spa in Bristol, UK

[@carterkirkwood7783]

The quality of the automatic captioning of this video is very poor. Is there a way for someone to provide a better captioning for the video? Which then can either be reviewed or simply posted to replace the current captioning.

[@ciaracorr6015]

What are long term effects and worse case scenarios?

[@RareGem369]

Yes that’s what I wanna know too?

[@janridge116]

I see all kinds of positive results for PTSD, but what about CRPS success? Thanks so much. Jan

[@dr.johnvogel3430]

It works for CRPS, but peripheral nerve stimulation is probably a better option.

[@harrycallahan9143]

How do you feel after you just had the injection? does everything just go away? was you hypervigilant too? just curious how it works.

[@nancybennett1375]

Is this in Canada ?

[@mariesprowl2348]

Any new developments w this treatment?

[@johnmorrell]

This treatment has been tested - check out the results Psychiatry Adviser website.

[@ninalemmons9462]

Wow.