Stellate Ganglion Block for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing a treatment where a numbing medicine is injected into the neck to help patients with PTSD by blocking nerve signals. The goal is to see if this can reduce PTSD symptoms.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that your medications have been stable for 3 or more months before joining, except for benzodiazepines, which you cannot use. If you are currently taking benzodiazepines, you will need to stop.
Is Stellate Ganglion Block using Bupivacaine safe for humans?
How is stellate ganglion block treatment different for PTSD?
Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is unique for treating PTSD because it involves an injection of a local anesthetic in the neck to temporarily block nerves that control the body's fight-or-flight response, providing immediate relief. Unlike traditional PTSD treatments like therapy or medication, SGB is a quick outpatient procedure that can be effective right away.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Stellate Ganglion Block for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Research shows that stellate ganglion block (SGB) has been successfully used to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in multiple studies, including a large trial and several case series. This treatment involves an injection in the neck that helps calm the body's stress response, and it has been effective in both combat-related and general PTSD cases.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Paul Glimcher, PhD
Principal Investigator
NYU Langone Health
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults aged 18-65 with chronic PTSD, as defined by DSM-5, and a CAPS-5 score of at least 26 can join. Participants must have been on stable medication for three months (excluding benzodiazepines) and be able to consent. Exclusions include allergies to certain anesthetics or contrast agents, severe mental health or substance use disorders, past stellate ganglion block treatment, pregnancy, neck surgeries, metal implants affecting MRI safety, current opioid/cocaine/benzodiazepine use, cancer diagnosis among others.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-intervention
Participants undergo a pre-intervention fMRI scan and are randomized into treatment and placebo arms
Treatment
Treatment group receives stellate ganglion block; placebo group receives saline injection
Post-intervention Assessment
Participants undergo a post-intervention clinical assessment and fMRI scan
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Bupivacaine
- Saline
Bupivacaine is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
NYU Langone Health
Lead Sponsor