Stellate Ganglion Block in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
This study is investigating a procedure called Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) as a potential new treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the UK. Many people with PTSD find current treatments don't fully ease their symptoms. SGB involves a small injection of a numbing medicine near a cluster of nerves in the neck. This temporarily calms these nerves, which are linked to controlling our 'fight or flight' response. Previous studies suggest SGB could rapidly reduce symptoms like anxiety and being easily startled. This trial aims to better understand how SGB works and if it can effectively help people with PTSD, especially if other treatments haven't been successful.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a treatment called Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for people who have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can happen after someone has experienced or witnessed a very upsetting event, like a serious accident or violence. It can cause ongoing difficult feelings such as extreme anxiety, easily getting irritated, being constantly on edge, and having powerful reactions to sudden noises.
While there are existing treatments like talking therapies and medications, they don't always work for everyone. Some people find their symptoms, especially feeling constantly on high alert, make it hard to engage with these treatments fully. SGB is a procedure where a doctor injects a small amount of numbing medicine near a group of nerves in the neck. This temporarily quiets these nerves, which are part of the system that controls our body’s stress response, often called the 'fight or flight' system.
The idea is that by calming these nerves, SGB might help to quickly reduce some of the intense and difficult symptoms of PTSD. This procedure has been used safely for other medical conditions in the past, and some studies, particularly with military veterans, have shown promising results for PTSD. This study aims to understand exactly how SGB works for PTSD and if it could become a more widely available treatment option for people who haven't found enough relief from standard approaches.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a new injection treatment (SGB) for PTSD.
- It aims to help people whose PTSD symptoms are not fully controlled by usual treatments.
- SGB involves a temporary numbing of nerves in the neck.
- The procedure may quickly soothe symptoms like anxiety and feeling on edge.
- Understanding how SGB works is a key goal of this research.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 69 years old and have a diagnosis of PTSD with symptoms like feeling very on edge or easily startled. You should also be seeing a mental health professional for your PTSD.
Critically, this study is for people who haven't found enough relief from standard PTSD treatments like therapy or medication, or who would prefer to try the SGB procedure. Your doctor will need to confirm if you meet these general requirements.
There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include if you've been at high risk of self-harm recently, have certain other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, or have specific medical conditions such as a bleeding disorder, uncontrolled seizures, severe lung problems, or a recent heart attack. You also can't be pregnant or breastfeeding. Your medical team will go through all these details with you carefully to make sure the study is safe for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 18 and 69 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of PTSD with ongoing severe anxiety/feeling on edge?
- Are you currently seeing a mental health professional?
- Have other PTSD treatments not fully helped your symptoms, or would you prefer trying this injection?
- Are you generally in good health with no major heart, lung, or bleeding problems?
What does participation involve?
If you take part in this study, the main part of the treatment involves receiving an injection in your neck. This injection uses a numbing medicine to temporarily block the stellate ganglion nerves. You would have appointments for the procedure itself, and likely follow-up visits to check how you are doing and track any changes in your symptoms. The exact number of visits and the full length of the study would be explained by the study team, but it will involve some assessments before and after the injection to measure its effect.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Royal Ottawa Mental Health CentreVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada
Common questions
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It's a condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a very upsetting or traumatic event, leading to symptoms like flashbacks, severe anxiety, and constantly feeling on edge.
What is a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)?
SGB is a medical procedure where a small amount of numbing medicine is injected into your neck, near a group of nerves called the stellate ganglion. This temporarily calms these nerves for a few hours.
Why is this procedure being studied for PTSD?
Some studies have suggested that SGB can quickly help reduce severe PTSD symptoms, like extreme anxiety and being easily startled, especially when other treatments haven't been fully effective. This study aims to understand more about how it works.
Is this a new treatment for PTSD?
While SGB has been used for other medical conditions, its use for PTSD is still being researched, particularly in the UK. Health authorities typically approve its use only within research studies like this one for PTSD.
Will I get the actual treatment if I join?
If you are eligible and decide to join, you will receive the SGB procedure as part of the study. The study aims to look at its direct effects on PTSD symptoms.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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