Sabrina Warden

To what extent does SGB affect PTSD among veterans?

Started Mar. 7, 2024

Abstract or project description

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has become one of the most common mental health conditions, with the most cases happening in veterans: seven out of 100 veterans have PTSD. Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a numbing medicine that calms down nerves associated closely with PTSD. However, SGB serves its purpose as an FDA-approved injection for chronic pain in the upper extremities while treatments such as therapies and medications are for PTSD. The objective of this paper is to understand and review the literature on how SGB can also improve symptoms of PTSD. The methods include a systematic approach using PubMed and the National Library of Medicine and interviews with veterans. Search terms such as “stellate ganglion block” and “post-traumatic stress disorder” were most often looked for. Randomized trials and case studies were analyzed. Results revealed that SGB needs more randomized control trials, clinical trials, and case studies for its effectiveness to last longer than two months. Furthermore, the stigma behind mental health conditions, like PTSD, has to be removed otherwise susceptible patients won’t reach out for treatment. Keywords: stellate ganglion block, post-traumatic stress disorder.