Stellate Ganglion Block / Explained
What Is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
A practical guide to the anatomy, the SGB procedure, temporary effects you may notice, safety, and the current evidence.
At a glance
SGB is an ultrasound-guided injection of local anesthetic near a cluster of sympathetic nerves in the lower neck.
Where is the stellate ganglion?
The stellate ganglion is part of the cervical sympathetic chain. These nerves participate in the body's fight-or-flight response, which can raise heart rate and alertness in response to a perceived threat.
A block temporarily interrupts signaling near that nerve cluster. Researchers are exploring whether this may affect symptoms tied to a heightened stress response, including trauma-related hyperarousal.
SGB is not a cure for anxiety or PTSD. Use for these symptoms is off-label; evidence continues to develop, and results vary.
The procedure
What happens during an SGB?
The block itself is brief. The visit also includes screening and time to observe how you respond.
- Before
- Kendall reviews your history, medications, questions, and goals. Screening comes before any decision about a procedure.
- During
- Using ultrasound guidance, a small amount of local anesthetic is placed near the stellate ganglion in the side of the lower neck.
- Right after
- You rest under observation while the anesthetic takes effect. You will need someone available to drive you home.
- Follow-up
- We check in about what you noticed and whether any next steps make sense. Individual responses vary.
After the block
What you may notice
These are possible temporary effects, not a prediction of what you will experience. Kendall discusses the full safety picture with you before a procedure.
Temporary hoarseness or change in voice
Local anesthetic can affect nearby nerves in the neck; this typically resolves on its own.
Droopy eyelid on the treated side
A common, expected temporary sign that the anesthetic reached the target area.
One-sided nasal congestion
Can occur with the temporary sympathetic block and resolves as the anesthetic wears off.
Mild injection-site discomfort
Similar to other injections and usually brief.
Safety
Why screening and monitoring matter
Ultrasound guidance helps the provider see the area during injection. Screening reviews your health history and medications before a procedure is considered, and monitoring allows time to observe you afterward. These measures matter, but no procedure is without risk.
Kendall reviews potential risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations with you before you decide anything.
Wondering how your own history affects candidacy?
Read the decision guideWhere SGB fits in medicine
Established procedure. Developing evidence.
Longstanding use
Stellate Ganglion Block has been used in pain medicine for many decades, including for certain nerve-related pain conditions of the head, neck, and arms.
Emerging use
Research is exploring SGB for PTSD- and trauma-related hyperarousal and other stress-response symptoms. Some studied groups have shown short-term improvement, but long-term outcomes and who benefits most remain uncertain. Use for anxiety- or PTSD-related symptoms is off-label; results vary. SGB does not replace psychotherapy, medications, or established mental-health care.
Research & Evidence
One randomized trial studied active-duty service members and followed outcomes for 8 weeks. Evidence continues to develop; individual outcomes vary. Further reading: JAMA Psychiatry randomized trial and VA overview of SGB for PTSD.
Questions
A few technical details
Now that you know how SGB works, what’s next?
Wondering whether it may be relevant to you?
Explore the decision guideReady to ask Kendall a question?
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