What Is Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) and How Does It Work?
The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a medical procedure that targets the sympathetic nervous system, which governs the body’s fight-or-flight response. When this system becomes overly active—often seen in conditions like PTSD, chronic anxiety, or persistent stress—it can keep individuals locked in a constant state of hyperarousal. This might show up as a racing heart, poor sleep, panic attacks, or feeling perpetually on edge.
SGB helps interrupt these signals by using a local anesthetic injection near a nerve cluster in the neck, temporarily calming the overactive pathways. The result? A nervous system “reset” that can significantly reduce symptoms of trauma and anxiety—often within minutes to hours. At Scottsdale Ketamine Therapy Clinic, we also offer dual sympathetic blocks for deeper, longer-lasting relief.
The Stellate Ganglion Block Procedure: What to Expect
The SGB procedure is minimally invasive and highly precise, performed under ultrasound guidance by our board-certified anesthesiologists. Here’s how it typically works:
- Patient Screening – We begin with a comprehensive assessment to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for SGB.
- Pre-Procedure Preparation – Patients may be asked to fast. An IV is placed, and vital signs are monitored for safety.
- Ultrasound Guidance – A sterile gel is applied to the neck to visualize the nerve cluster with clarity.
- Injection – After numbing the skin, a small needle delivers the anesthetic to the stellate ganglion under real-time imaging.
- Immediate Effects – Within 3–10 minutes, many patients report a noticeable sense of calm, clarity, and emotional relief.
- Observation & Recovery – After a short monitoring period, most individuals are able to return to normal activity the same day.
This approach is not only safe and efficient but also tailored to each individual, ensuring both comfort and optimal results.
Why Patients Choose Stellate Ganglion Block Therapy
For those who have tried therapy, medications, or even multiple psychiatric treatments with little success, SGB offers a refreshing alternative by treating the root of the problem: an overstimulated nervous system. Key Benefits Include:
- Fast-Acting Relief – Symptom reduction can occur within hours to days, compared to weeks with traditional treatments.
- Minimally Invasive – No surgery, no sedation, and completed in under 30 minutes.
- Long-Lasting Results – Many patients experience symptom relief for 3–9 months, with the option to repeat as needed.
- Improved Sleep & Mood – SGB can lead to better sleep, emotional regulation, and an overall sense of well-being.
- Synergy with Ketamine Therapy – When paired with ketamine infusions, patients often experience greater cognitive and emotional breakthroughs, as SGB calms the body while ketamine helps reshape thought patterns.
Conditions That May Benefit from Stellate Ganglion Block Therapy
While originally developed for PTSD, the therapeutic potential of SGB has expanded as more research supports its efficacy. Patients with the following conditions may benefit:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Especially helpful for flashbacks, insomnia, hypervigilance, and emotional reactivity.
- Chronic Anxiety & Panic Disorders – Eases heightened stress responses and improves emotional regulation.
- Depression (Treatment-Resistant) – Especially where nervous system overactivity is involved.
- Post-Concussion Syndrome – Helps reduce neurological overstimulation and cognitive fog.
- Long COVID & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – May reset autonomic imbalances affecting energy and focus.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS Type I) – Reduces hypersensitivity and pain linked to nerve dysfunction.
SGB can be a life-altering intervention for those who feel stuck in cycles of panic, fatigue, or emotional instability.
Our Expertise in Stellate Ganglion Block at Scottsdale Ketamine Therapy Clinic
We take great pride in offering specialized SGB treatment delivered by a team of board-certified anesthesiologists with advanced experience in pain management and nervous system regulation. Using ultrasound-guided techniques, we ensure precise delivery of the anesthetic while minimizing risk.
Our clinics are among the few in Arizona that offer dual sympathetic blocks, a more comprehensive approach targeting both sides of the nervous system. This method can lead to enhanced and longer-lasting symptom relief, especially for patients with deep-rooted PTSD or anxiety disorders.
When SGB is paired with ketamine therapy, patients often describe it as a breakthrough experience—calming the body while rewiring the brain. This powerful combination addresses both the physiological and psychological roots of trauma and chronic stress.
Why Stellate Ganglion Block Could Be Right for You
If you’ve found that traditional therapies haven’t provided lasting relief, or you feel like your nervous system is always “on,” SGB may offer the reset your body and mind desperately need.
Whether you’re a military veteran battling PTSD, a professional facing chronic anxiety, or someone navigating the long tail of post-COVID symptoms, SGB can help restore calm, clarity, and control.
Ready to Take the First Step Toward Relief?
At Scottsdale Ketamine Therapy Clinic, we’re here to help you find relief that’s both fast-acting and lasting. With specialized expertise, state-of-the-art imaging technology, and a compassionate approach to care, we offer more than treatment—we offer hope.
Call us today to schedule your consultation and learn if SGB is right for you. Your journey toward nervous system balance and emotional healing starts here.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation with Doctors
We provide complimentary consultation on a phone call. One of our experienced doctors will discuss your concerns and provide guidance.
Call us on 480-253-9710 (Scottsdale) or 480-256-9322 (Gilbert), or fill the form below to receive a call back.