Description
IntroductionPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic condition that occurs as a result of experiencing traumatic events. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of stellate ganglion block (SGB) as a potential treatment for PTSD. SGB works by blocking sympathetic outflow, which can help reduce the autonomic dysfunction associated with PTSD symptoms. However, the evidence supporting the effectiveness of SGB compared to current recommendations is limited.
Methods
To address this knowledge gap, a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify and evaluate the evidence supporting the use of SGB for PTSD. A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.
Results
It involved a combined total of 550 participants. The majority of participants included in the studies were military service members and veterans, with a median age of 36.9 years. The preferred anesthetic used in the SGB procedure was 0.5% ropivacaine, and the most commonly utilized technique was the right-sided SGB. The timing of the first SGB varied, ranging from 55 days to several years after the onset of symptoms. Symptom improvement following SGB was observed to occur immediately or gradually over the first week. This improvement was often accompanied by reduced alcohol consumption, medication usage, and improved mood. Relapse of symptoms was frequently reported, leading to additional SGB sessions. Most of the reported side effects of SGB were mild and temporary in nature.
Conclusions
Despite these encouraging findings, caution is necessary when interpreting the benefits of the technique due to several factors. These include the lack of standardized clinical trial data, heterogeneity in reported results, and the potential for reporting bias in the studies reviewed. To address these limitations and provide a clearer understanding of SGB's efficacy, safety, tolerability, and indications, future studies should aim to evaluate and standardize the technique. This will help provide more comprehensive and reliable evidence regarding the utility of SGB as a treatment modality for PTSD.
Period | 6 May 2024 |
---|---|
Event title | American Psychiatric Association (APA) Annual Meeting 2024 |
Event type | Meeting |
Organiser | American Psychiatric Association |
Location | New York City, United States, New YorkShow on map |
Degree of Recognition | International |
Keywords
- stellate ganglion block
- PTSD
- ropivacaine
- military
- treatment
- nerve block
Field of Science
- 3.1 Basic medicine
- 3.2 Clinical medicine
Documents & Links
Related content
-
Publications
-
Sympathetic Nerve Blocks for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Evidentiary Review for Future Clinical Trials
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review