Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)

What is Stellate  Ganglion Block (SGB)?

Stellate Ganglion Block is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic into a bundle of nerves in the neck, known as the stellate ganglion. These nerves directly connect to the brain’s “fight or flight” center (the amygdala). By quieting this overactive response, SGB can restore a sense of calm and reset the nervous system.

The procedure itself takes about 15–20 minutes and is performed by a trained physician under ultrasound guidance for safety.

Why choose SGB
Who can benefit
Evidence behind

Why Choose SGB?

Advantages of SGB include:

  • Rapid relief (often within minutes to hours)
  • No need to relive or retell trauma during the procedure
  • Non-psychoactive medication (no risk of positive drug tests)
  • No long-term side effects documented
  • Can “prime” the nervous system, making therapy and integration work more effective
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Who Can Benefit?

SGB has shown effectiveness for individuals living with:

  • Post-traumatic stress symptoms (sleep disruption, hypervigilance, irritability, panic, difficulty concentrating)
  • Military veterans and first responders
  • Survivors of trauma (combat, accidents, assault, medical emergencies)
  • Professionals under chronic stress (executives, healthcare providers, athletes)

Even if someone does not meet full criteria for PTSD, the “hyperarousal cluster” of symptoms often responds quickly to SGB.

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The Evidence Behind SGB

  • Decades of safety data: SGB has been used in pain medicine since the 1920s.
  • Military adoption: Thousands of service members have received SGB at military hospitals with rapid results.
  • Clinical research: Randomized controlled trials, including a multi-site study published in JAMA Psychiatry, found significant improvements in PTSD symptoms.
  • Large sample data: In a retrospective study of 327 patients, more than 80% experienced clinically meaningful improvement in trauma symptoms after SGB.
  • Provider endorsement: In one survey, 95% of behavioral health providers who observed SGB rated it “very beneficial” for trauma care.
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Our Approach at Lucid Therapeutics

At Lucid, we view SGB not as a standalone “miracle cure,” but as a powerful accelerator of healing. We combine SGB with psychotherapy, integration coaching, and body-based practices to maximize long-term benefits.

Think of SGB as the “primer” that allows the “paint” of therapy to hold — calming the nervous system so you can fully engage in the deeper work of recovery and growth.

This procedure works synergistically with ketamine therapy and TMS. You can continue to add to your healing process with the same care team.

What to Expect

Consultation:

We review your history, goals, and ensure you are a
good candidate.

Procedure Day:

The block is performed in our office under ultrasound guidance. Most patients are finished in 20 minutes.

Recovery

You may experience temporary eye drooping (a sign the block was successful), which resolves in hours. Most people resume normal activity within 24 hours.

Follow-up

We check in within 24 hours and again in the following weeks. Many patients notice relief immediately; some benefit from a second block.

Ready to Explore if SGB is Right for You?

SGB has brought life-changing relief to many who feel stuck in fight-or-flight mode. While no treatment works for everyone, we are here to guide you toward the best path forward.

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FAQs

Does SGB have any side effects?

The most common side effect is temporary eye drooping, small pupil size, or mild redness on the side of the injection — known as Horner’s Syndrome. This is actually a sign the procedure worked and typically resolves within 24 hours. Some patients may also feel slight warmth, hoarseness, or a brief change in swallowing sensation, which quickly fade. Serious complications are very rare when performed by an experienced physician under ultrasound guidance

What if it doesn’t work for me?

Like any medical treatment, SGB is not effective for everyone. About 10–20% of patients may not experience meaningful relief. In those cases, we discuss next steps — a second injection on the other side of the neck will often help with cases that don't initially respond. Even if SGB is not effective, our team can guide you toward other evidence-based therapies for trauma and anxiety - TMS or Ketamine therapy.

Do I have to relive my trauma during the procedure?

No. SGB works biologically on the nervous system. You do not need to recount or revisit your trauma story for the treatment to be effective. This makes it an appealing option for many people who find trauma-focused therapy overwhelming.  

Is SGB covered by insurance?

Currently, most insurance plans in the U.S. do not cover SGB when used for trauma. However, the procedure is sometimes covered for pain conditions, and in other countries (like Australia), SGB for trauma may be reimbursed. At Lucid Therapeutics, we provide transparent pricing and financing options, so you know what to expect up front

How long do results last?

 Relief may last months or even years. Durability depends on individual biology, follow-up therapy, and lifestyle. Many find that SGB creates a critical “window of calm” to engage more deeply in therapy and recovery.

Is it covered by insurance?

Currently, most U.S. insurers do not cover SGB for trauma symptoms. We offer transparent pricing and will discuss costs during your consultation.

Is SGB safe?

Yes. SGB has been performed safely for nearly a century in pain medicine and, more recently, for trauma symptoms. In large military and civilian studies, no long-term complications were reported. A JAMA Psychiatry trial and other reviews describe SGB as a “safe, routine procedure.” At Lucid Therapeutics, we use ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and safety

How long will the benefits last?

For many people, SGB provides months — sometimes years — of relief. The duration depends on each individual’s nervous system, life stressors, and whether therapy or integration work is continued afterward. We encourage patients to use the “window of calm” created by SGB to build lasting healing through therapy, mindfulness, and body-based practices

Will it affect my performance or focus?

Not at all. In fact, studies in military populations show that SGB may actually improve reaction time, memory, and concentration by calming the overactive “fight or flight” system. Patients often report feeling clearer and more focused

Is SGB FDA-approved for PTSD?

No, SGB is FDA-approved for pain conditions. Its use for trauma is considered “off-label,” similar to how aspirin is widely used to prevent heart attacks.

Will I lose my ‘edge’?

No. Studies show SGB can actually improve focus, reaction time, and performance by reducing hyperarousal symptoms .