Successful Stellate Ganglion Block in Patients with Treatment Resistant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series and Recent Literature Review.

BACKGROUND

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an increasing health concern in both those with and without previous military experience. There is a growing body of evidence for the use of stellate ganglion block (SGB), a procedure performed to treat pain conditions and cardiac arrythmias, in the treatment of PTSD. There have been multiple clinical studies, randomized and nonrandomized, that have demonstrated positive results for the use of SGB.

CASE REPORT: In this case series, we present 3 patients with military background and treatment resistant PTSD who underwent SGBs. All 3 patients experienced a decrease in their clinical symptoms and improved quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Patients with refractory PTSD may benefit from SGB for treatment of their symptoms. PTSD symptoms may be sympathetically mediated, lending to the effect of SGB for symptom management. Data from recent clinical trials demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms when compared to sham procedures.