7/29/2021 0 Comments Stellate Ganglion Block (Rupture) Stellate Ganglion Block (sgb) is an alternative non-drug therapy for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in patients with a high risk of having an anxiety or panic attack. Findings from recent studies indicate that this treatment modality provides significant benefits when used in conjunction with other forms of therapy. Other research indicates that this treatment modality has been effective in the management of patients with mild PTSD but not when used alone. Findings from current and clinical trials reveal important differences in the types of patients that respond to therapy and those that do not. A recently published study compared two different forms of post-traumatic stress disorder treatment adjunct to SGB treatment as a single unit. Findings from this prospective randomized clinical trial showed that 2 stellate ganglion block (sub) treatments, administered simultaneously, were moderately effective in the reduction of Clinician-administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic-Related Groups (CDR) for a subset of patients receiving PTSD. The adjusted mean improvement was 6.3 points for the combined group, while the combined group only showed a difference in the placebo response, a difference in the percentage of responders, or a difference in mean percentage of respondents that did not reach significance. Further, postprandial cortisol levels were lower in the placebo group than in the group that received treatment. In addition, there were no significant differences in mood, sleeping, or physical symptoms between the treatment groups at any time during the four-week period. The primary mechanism thought to underlie the results of the present study is that the stellate ganglion block (SGB) reduces the firing of local neurons towards an angry facial expression or behavior in patients with PTSD. However, it is also believed that increased cortical thickness over a large area may account for the positive effect of GB. Other research has indicated that reduced amygdala activity can result in reduced threat memory, whereas increased cortical thickness can directly affect avoidance behavior in patients with PTSD. The present data are therefore in the debate regarding which mechanism is involved in the process of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and which abnormality causes the behavior. What is clear is that the use of GB in conjunction with other psychosocial treatments, in conjunction with adequate lifestyle supports can produce remarkable improvements in lifestyle and functioning for patients with PTSD. Stellate Ganglion Block (sub) therapy is most effective when it is combined with alternative treatments such as relaxation techniques, biofeedback, muscle-testing, massage, and cognitive behavioral therapy. It is also important to make lifestyle changes such as removing nicotine and alcohol from the diet, quitting recreational drugs such as marijuana, and reducing caffeine from the diet. The use of natural dietary supplements such as vitamin B6 and magnesium in significant amounts can help to normalize the functions of the autonomic nervous system and the immune system, thereby reducing the risk of systemic inflammatory disease (SID). Patients with PTSD that require high levels of stress and anxiety should be treated with care and attention to maintain normal brain function. GB is particularly useful for individuals with PTSD that exhibit chronic symptoms and have difficulty coping with stressful life events. During the Stellate Ganglion Block (sub) procedure, a local anesthetic is injected onto the scalp and into the base of the skull. Once this is injected, the patient is made to recline in a chair with his eyes open, with his head in a neutral position. An anesthesiologist then injects a mild neuroleptic (antipsychotic), which blocks pain and controls brain function. The neuroleptics are pre-administered before the procedure and are taken orally. If there is any discomfort or difficulty swallowing, medical help should be sought. Once administered, the patient may experience slight to moderate sedation and can respond to the treatment immediately. However, it is important to note that the scalp and base of the skull must not be touching when the procedure is performed. This can prevent a possible complication called secondary stellate ganglion block, which occurs if the anesthetic accidentally gets into the brain. This condition can cause neurological damage and can even result in death if the person does not receive emergency medical care on time. Check out this post that has expounded on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stellate_ganglion
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