Star node blockade

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, just below the collarbones. There are two such ganglia in humans, one on each side of the neck.

This ganglion transmits most sympathetic nerve signals to the:

• heads,

• neck,

• hands,

• upper chest.

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

• heart rate,

• blood pressure,

• sweating,

• stress response.

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 ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance.

In the classic version, the blockade is used:

• to reduce pain in the neck, shoulders, chest,

• to improve blood circulation in the upper extremities.

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

Stellate node blockade in PTSD

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

• anxiety,

• increased alertness,

• sleep disorders,

• depressive state,

• flashbacks and intrusive memories.

Star node blockade can:

• reduce anxiety and irritability,

• improve sleep and mood,

• reduce the intensity of symptoms.

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

Use for depression

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

Star node blockade:

• reduces stress levels,

• normalizes the body's autonomic functions,

• has a positive effect on the emotional background.

Combining SGB with modern depression treatments , such as:

• psychotherapy,

• ketamine-assisted therapy,

• transcranial electrical stimulation of the brain,

• vagus nerve stimulation.

This multidisciplinary approach allows you to increase the effectiveness of therapy and reduce recovery time.

Prospects

Despite the encouraging results, further clinical studies are needed to standardize and widely implement this technique. However, SGB already shows significant therapeutic potential , especially for patients who do not respond to conventional treatment.

The method allows:

• improve the quality of life,

• restore psycho-emotional balance,

• return to active social functioning.