Blocking the star node

What is the stellate ganglion?

The stellate ganglion is a cluster of sympathetic nerve fibers located in the front of the neck near the first ribs, directly under the collarbones. There are two such ganglia in humans - one on each side of the neck.

This ganglion transmits most of the sympathetic nerve signals to the:

• of the head,

• neck,

• hands,

• upper chest.

The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system, which automatically controls bodily functions, including:

• heart rate,

• blood pressure,

• sweating,

• reaction to stress.

How is the blockade carried out?

The block is performed by injecting a local anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine) into the stellate ganglion area. The procedure is minimally invasive and is performed under the control of ultrasound or fluoroscopy.

In the classic version, the blockade is applied:

• to reduce pain in the neck, shoulder, and chest,

• to improve blood circulation in the upper extremities.

However, recent studies have shown that this method can also effectively treat neuropsychiatric disorders by reducing the hyper-excitation of the sympathetic system, which is often observed in PTSD and depression.

Blockade of the stellate node in PTSD

PTSD is a disorder that occurs after a severe traumatic experience: war, violence, accidents, loss of loved ones. Symptoms include:

• anxiety,

• increased vigilance,

• sleep disorders,

• depression,

• flashbacks and intrusive memories.

Blocking the star node can:

• reduce anxiety and excitability,

• improve sleep and mood,

• reduce the intensity of symptoms.

This effect is explained by the suppression of sympathetic activity, which is pathologically elevated in PTSD.

Use in depression

Depression is a complex mental disorder accompanied by low mood, loss of energy, sleep disturbances, and general interest in life.

Blockage of the star node:

• reduces stress levels,

• normalizes the autonomous functions of the body,

• has a positive effect on the emotional background.

The combination of SGB with modern depression treatments, such as:

• psychotherapy,

• ketamine-assisted therapy,

• transcranial electrical brain stimulation,

• stimulation of the vagus nerve.

Such a multidisciplinary approach allows to increase the effectiveness of therapy and reduce recovery time.

Prospects

Despite the encouraging results, further clinical trials are needed to standardize and widely implement this technique. At the same time, SGB already demonstrates significant therapeutic potential, especially for patients who do not respond to conventional treatment.

The method allows you to:

• improve the quality of life,

• restore psycho-emotional balance,

• return to active social functioning.