Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block on Specific Symptom Clusters for Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
This study assessed which symptoms are most impacted following stellate ganglion block (SGB) used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. 30 active military service members with combat-related PTSD self-referred to their physician and psychologist. Patients were offered a SGB as part of their treatment program. Primary outcome was the magnitude of change for the 17 items on the PTSD Checklist-Military (PCL-M), which was administered the week before SGB, 1 week after SGB, and 2 to 4 months later. Mean PCL-M score decreased from 49 at baseline to 32, 1 week after the procedure (p < 0.001). 2 to 4 months after SGB, patients maintained an average PCL-M of 32. Patients reported greatest improvement in the first week after SGB for the following symptoms: irritability or angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbance. 2 to 4 months later, patients reported greatest improvement in the following: feeling distant or cut off, feeling emotionally numb, irritability or angry outbursts, and difficulty concentrating. SGB is a safe procedure that may provide extended relief for all clusters of PTSD symptoms. As a result of the significant reduction in hyperarousal and avoidance symptoms observed, this study supports incorporation of SGB into PTSD treatment plans.
Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
James H
JH
Lynch
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, 9300 Dewitt Loop, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060.
Sean W
SW
Mulvaney
Department of Behavioral Health, Womack Army Medical Center, 4817 Reilly Road, Fort Bragg, NC 28310.
Eugene H
EH
Kim
902d Military Intelligence Group, 2600 Ernie Pyle Street, Fort Meade, MD 20755.
Jason B
JB
de Leeuw
Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Matthew J
MJ
Schroeder
United States Army Special Operations Command, 2929 Desert Storm Drive, Fort Bragg, NC 28310.
Shawn F
SF
Kane
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001340:Autonomic Nerve Block / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013233:Stellate Ganglion / Q000187:drug effects*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013577:Syndrome; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*