Stellate ganglion blockade for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and controlled trials
PubMed 41151498 · doi:10.1016/j.autneu.2025.103360
What was done
A systematic review and meta-analysis searched seven databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wan Fang, VIP, and China Knowledge Network) through November 2024 to evaluate the efficacy of stellate ganglion block (SGB) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Authors assessed risk of bias, evaluated study methodological quality, and pooled Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) score changes using a random-effects model.
What was found
From 394 screened records, 3 studies (2 randomized controlled trials and 1 case-control trial) were included. SGB significantly reduced PTSD symptom severity compared to control conditions, showing a pooled mean difference in CAPS scores of -6.24 (95% CI [-10.71, -1.78], P = 0.006).
Why it matters
This review provides quantitative synthesis showing that SGB can reduce core PTSD symptoms, supporting its consideration as an interventional treatment option.
Limits
The evidence base is very small, comprising only three studies (two RCTs and one non-randomized case-control study). Total participant count, control types (e.g., sham vs. standard care), procedural adverse events, and durability of symptom relief beyond immediate follow-up were not reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Stellate ganglion blocks work by dampening sympathetic nervous system activity sufficiently to allow parasympathetic vagal activity to express itself, providing therapeutic utility for PTSD and trauma.