Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)
Groundbreaking Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) treats PTSD, Emotional Trauma, and Anxiety

Shut down overactive Fight or Flight with a Stellate Ganglion Block!
For people with PTSD, Stellate Ganglion Blocks may:
- Reset ‘Fight or Flight’ *
- Reduce Anxiety *
- Improve Sleep **
- Calm Excess Irritability **
- Improve Concentration **
- Be a Therapy Catalyst * by making therapy easier to tolerate, leading to more effective gains.
Edelica, Wisconsin’s leading ketamine provider, is excited to add stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) to the list of innovative treatments at our Milwaukee clinic!
SGB is not a drug. It is a medical procedure – an injection done with ultrasound guidance – that temporarily numbs the nerves that carry the fight or flight impulses.
These impulses all funnel through a nerve bundle in the neck called the cervical sympathetic chain. The Stellate Ganglion makes up part of this chain.
It is a two-way street that connects the sympathetic nervous system in the body to the brain. When your brain perceives a threat (a lion in your car), it shoots impulses to your heart to beat faster and harder, and your lungs to breathe deeper, and your muscles to tense up and get ready to act.
All of this happens without thinking. It’s a primitive, but effective mechanism that helps you respond to the threat as quickly as possible (and get out of the car!)
Then, when the threat is over, the body relaxes, and the sympathetic output returns to normal.
EXCEPT FOR PEOPLE WITH PTSD.
In people with PTSD, and possibly some people with anxiety syndromes, the sympathetic response gets stuck in the ‘on’ position.
Now, when the brain perceives a threat, the response builds on itself in a feedback loop without an end in sight. It’s like the two-way street becomes a roundabout, with no exit.

With PTSD, this exaggerated “hyperarousal” can literally last for years, and results in a wide range of symptoms including irritability, difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, feeling cut off from others, and feeling emotionally numb.
SGB rapidly improves these symptoms, and others in patients with PTSD. **
How does SGB Work?
Stellate Ganglion Block numbs the sympathetic nerves, blocking the shutting off the fight or flight response for a few hours, and cutting off the negative feedback loop.
This gives the nervous system a chance to cool off and reset. After a few hours, when the anesthetic wears off, the fight or flight system comes back online, but it is now at a more normal level.
The exact mechanism of how this happens is still being worked out. The leading hypothesis currently is related to “sympathetic sprouting”.
We know that after trauma, new synapses between the stellate and the amygdala form and we also see greater concentration of norepinephrine in the CSF. The stellate block seems to reverse, or ‘prune’ these sympathetic connections which may normalize norepinephrine levels.
Two Levels are Better Than One
The latest studies are showing that a second sympathetic block just a little higher in the neck provides a stronger block, and better results. At Edelica, we utilize this ‘dual sympathetic block’ to supplement our stellate blocks, ensuring patients have the best chance possible to find relief.
Benefits of SGB Treatment
Rapid Relief
SGB treatment has been shown to provide rapid relief from the symptoms of PTSD, often within minutes of the procedure. Patients frequently report a reduction in anxiety, hyperarousal, and intrusive thoughts, allowing them to regain control over their lives.
Improved Sleep and Mood
SGB treatment has a positive impact on sleep quality and mood stabilization. Many patients experience improved sleep patterns and a reduction in depressive symptoms, leading to an overall enhancement in emotional well-being.
Enhanced Therapy Response
SGB treatment can enhance the response to psychotherapy or other therapeutic interventions for PTSD. By reducing the intensity of symptoms, individuals may find it easier to engage in therapy, process traumatic memories, and achieve more significant progress in their healing journey.
Minimally Invasive and Safe
SGB treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that carries minimal risk. Our experienced medical team prioritizes patient safety throughout the entire process, ensuring the highest standards of care and monitoring.
Personalized Approach and Comprehensive Care
At Edelica Health, we recognize that each individual’s experience with PTSD is unique. Therefore, we take a personalized approach to SGB treatment, tailoring the therapy to address specific symptoms and needs. Our comprehensive care includes a thorough evaluation, detailed treatment planning, and ongoing support to ensure optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.
We believe in a collaborative care model, working closely with other healthcare professionals involved in the management of PTSD. Our team maintains open lines of communication, facilitating coordinated and comprehensive care for our patients. Additionally, we provide holistic support by offering resources, education, and guidance to individuals and their families, empowering them to actively participate in the healing process.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
If you or a loved one is struggling with the effects of PTSD, we invite you to take the next step towards healing with SGB treatment at Edelica Health. Our compassionate team is ready to answer any questions and provide the support you need to make an informed decision. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on a path toward recovery and renewed well-being.

Request Your Consultation Today
*Lynch, J.H.; Mulvaney, S.W.; Bryan, C.J.; Hernandez, D. Stellate Ganglion Block Reduces Anxiety Symptoms by Half: A Case Series of 285 Patients. J. Pers. Med. 2023, 13, 958. https://doi.org/10.3390/ jpm1306095
**Lynch JH, Mulvaney SW, Kim EH, de Leeuw JB, Schroeder MJ, Kane SF. Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block on Specific Symptom Clusters for Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Mil Med. 2016 Sep;181(9):1135-41. doi: 10.7205/MILMED-D-15-00518. PMID: 27612365a