Breaking the Cycle: SGB Offers New Hope For Women With PTSD/Anxiety

By James Lynch, MD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Anxiety are important women’s health issues. PTSD may be mistakenly associated with military veterans or first responders only. Many are unaware, though, that women have a two to three times higher risk of developing PTSD compared to men. Women are more likely to experience certain types of trauma, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, and medical trauma, all of which can lead to chronic stress responses. One innovative treatment, Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), has been used for over 15 years to treat PTSD and anxiety symptoms. Numerous clinical studies published in the medical literature since 1990 have demonstrated SGB’s usefulness in treating women who suffer from anxiety or the lasting effects of trauma.

Understanding the Fight-or-Flight Response

The autonomic nervous system plays a key role in regulating how the body responds to stress. In cases of PTSD and chronic anxiety, the sympathetic nervous system—responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response—can become overactive, leading to persistent symptoms such as hypervigilance, feeling on edge, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Traditional treatments, such as therapy and medication, can be effective, but some individuals continue to struggle with symptoms.

How SGB Works

SGB is a medical procedure that involves injecting a long-acting anesthetic along the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerves in the neck that influences the body’s stress response. By temporarily “turning off” these nerves, SGB helps reset the nervous system, allowing it to return to a more balanced state. Research has shown that this can lead to long-term improvements in anxiety, PTSD, and other stress-related disorders.

Applications For Women’s Health

While SGB has been primarily studied in the context of PTSD, its benefits extend beyond trauma-related anxiety. Many women who experience high levels of stress, severe anxiety, or even medical conditions such as long COVID have reported significant relief after undergoing SGB treatment. Additionally, studies suggest that SGB may help reduce vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes, in menopausal women.

What To Expect From the Procedure

The SGB procedure takes less than 10 minutes and is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and safety. Most patients experience symptom relief within 30 minutes to a few days, with effects lasting for months or even longer. Unlike medications that require daily use, SGB offers a potential long-term solution with minimal side effects.

A Step Toward Healing

For women struggling with anxiety or PTSD, stellate ganglion block is an innovative approach to symptom management. Adding this safe, simple outpatient procedure offers a valuable option to complement other treatments such as talk therapy. As evidence has accumulated over the past 15 years, SGB has become a vital tool in the broader effort to improve mental health care for women.