Stellate ganglion block improves refractory post-traumatic stress disorder and associated memory dysfunction: a case report and systematic literature review.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Single case report with literature review
PubMed 23764335 · doi:10.7205/MILMED-D-12-00290
What was done
A combat-exposed veteran with persistent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and concurrent alcohol use disorder received two treatments of stellate ganglion block (SGB). PTSD symptom severity was measured using the PTSD Checklist, Military Version, and memory was evaluated with the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test at baseline, one month after the first treatment, after the second treatment, and at one-year follow-up.
What was found
One month after the first SGB, PTSD symptom severity decreased by 43.6%, with improvements in immediate memory (50%), recent memory (28%), and recognition memory (25%). After a second SGB, PTSD severity was reduced by 57.7% from baseline, with increases in immediate memory (50%), recent memory (58%), and recognition memory (36%). At one year, the patient reported sustained PTSD relief, stopped drinking alcohol, and became gainfully employed.
Why it matters
This case highlights stellate ganglion block as a potential adjunctive intervention for severe, refractory PTSD and associated memory deficits that warrants formal clinical trials.
Limits
Findings are limited to a single patient (n = 1) in an uncontrolled, open-label setting, preventing causal inferences. The abstract does not provide raw scores, confidence intervals, or details on the search results of the accompanying systematic review.
Cited by
- supports Dr. Eugene Lipov is one of the originators of using stellate ganglion blocks to treat trauma and PTSD.