STELLATE GANGLION BLOCK Shot in Utah (SGB)

What is the Stellate Ganglion Block?

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a medical procedure that involves the injection of a long lasting local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a bundle of nerves located in the back of the neck.

The Veterans Administration was using this to help Veterans manage upper body pain, and noticed that many had a rapid reduction in PTSD symptoms, without other interventions. They did a 2-year study and published the results, and other researchers have expanded this research.

This procedure has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of various mental health conditions, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While newer studies indicate about a 70-75% rate of positive reaction to the shots, Corner Canyon Health Center screens clients carefully before recommending the shot, and our clients have typically had fairly significant reductions in PTSD symptoms like anxiety.

If a client’s anxiety level is at an extremely high baseline prior to the shots, the first one may not appear to have that typical response, but the second and third one (if recommended) will often produce that. The SGB shot is done at an outpatient clinic, and is an extra cost for clients.

How Does SGB Shots work?

The SGB is believed to work by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is often overactive in individuals with PTSD. By blocking the stellate ganglion, SGB can reduce the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones, which can lead to a reduction in anxiety, hyperarousal, and other symptoms of PTSD.

Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of SGB in reducing symptoms of PTSD. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2016 found that SGB led to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression compared to a control group who received a placebo injection.

Another study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress in 2021 found that SGB was associated with significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, sleep quality, and quality of life.

The benefits of SGB Shots for mental health treatment include:

SGB Shots have a lot of benefits for mental health treatment programs, and studies have proven excellent results when treating mental health issues such as PTSD. 

Rapid relief of symptoms:

SGB has been shown to provide rapid relief of symptoms in patients with PTSD, often within minutes or hours after the injection. These symptoms can include things like:

  • Hypervigilance
  • Negative changes in thinking and mood
  • Flashbacks
  • Anxiety,
  • Changes in physical and emotional reactions like body tension and increased startle reaction to loud noises.

The SGB is believed to work by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is often overactive in individuals with PTSD.

By blocking the stellate ganglion, SGB can reduce the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones, which can lead to a reduction in anxiety, hyperarousal, and other symptoms of PTSD.

Who can benefit from SGB Shots?

While SGB may not work for everyone, it is a promising treatment option for individuals who have not responded to traditional therapies or who are unable to tolerate the side effects of medications.

  • Improves emotional regulation: SGB has been shown to improve emotional regulation and reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and anger that can be associated with PTSD.
  • Enhances cognitive processing: SGB has been shown to improve cognitive processing, including memory, attention, and decision-making.
  • Increases engagement in therapy: SGB has been shown to increase engagement in therapy, allowing patients to participate more fully in the therapeutic process.

 

While SGB may not work for everyone, it is a promising treatment option for individuals who have not responded to traditional therapies or who are unable to tolerate the side effects of medications.

Updated May 2024

We are specifically formulated to offer personalized therapeutic interventions to adult individuals with mental health disorders.

We provide a comprehensive Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that offers clients the opportunity to attend group therapy sessions three to five times a week.

We work with most major insurance policies

Corner Canyon now accepts most major health insurance plans. Get in touch with our admissions team today.

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Contact Us?

We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Corner Canyon now accepts most major insurances including. 

We understand the challenge of paying for mental health services and now work with a number of providers to ensure you get the care you need. While some insurance plans may not provide full coverage, our team can work with you on a case-by-case basis. 

Get in contact with our team to verify your insurance and find out your options.

Fill out our Online Application here or call us at 877-226-0317 and you will receive a return call, text, or email quickly, depending on what you specify. We want you to have the best experience possible with us from start to finish, and responsive communication is part of that.

Liz Lund, MPA

Liz is originally from lush green Washington State. She is a life enthusiast and a huge fan of people. Liz has always loved learning why people are the way they are. She moved to UT in 2013 and completed her bachelors degree in Psychology in 2016. After college Liz worked at a residential treatment center and found that she was not only passionate about people, but also administration. Liz is recently finished her MPA in April 2022. Liz loves serving people and is excited and looking forward to learning about; and from our clients here at Corner Canyon.
When Liz is not busy working she love being outdoors, eating ice cream, taking naps, and spending time with her precious baby girl and sweet husband.