PTSD Program

At Optimum Ketamine Center, we are pleased to offer a new program that incorporates Ketamine treatment along with Stellate Ganglion Nerve Blocks (SGB) for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD).

 

PTSD has enormous negative effects on psychosocial functioning and quality of life which has led to disability in millions of people[i][ii][iii].

PTSD is the fifth most prevalent mental disorder in the United States[iv][v].

 

Stellate Ganglion Nerve Block to treat PTSD

Optimum Ketamine Center is excited to offer this new emerging treatment for PTSD.

In 2014, a large study of active duty military patients suffering from combat-related PTSD symptoms indicated a 79% response rate within the first week, 82% response rate at 1-2 months, and 74% response rate at 3-6 months after receiving a SGB.[vi]  Other studies too are showing evidence that SGB can alleviate certain PTSD symptoms such as hyperarousal, exaggerated startle response, and anxiety.

 

How is SGB performed?

The procedure takes approximately ten minutes and is performed under ultrasound guidance for accuracy. At Optimum Ketamine Center, SGB procedures are performed in our procedural suite, accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, by Dr. Belmonte, a board-certified pain management physician. The majority of our patients prefer to be administered mild sedation through an IV catheter for the procedure which ensures maximal comfort. Under ultrasound guidance, the nerve bundle in the neck is visualized and the local anesthetic is injected to “block” the Stellate Ganglion Nerves. You will be discharged within 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure.

 

What are the side effects?

SGB can have a number of side effects, including:

• Bruising and bleeding from the needle insertion site
• A temporary drooping eyelid on the side of the injection
• A temporary red or “bloodshot” eye on the side of the injection
• Nasal stuffiness
• A temporary hoarse voice
• A temporary feeling a “lump” in your throat
• Warmth or tingling in your arm and hand

These effects usually subside within a few hours of the procedure.

 

Ketamine Infusions for the Treatment of PTSD

Studies have proven again and again that Ketamine infusions reduce PTSD symptoms such as night terrors and flashbacks resulting in decrease in depression and anxiety scores.

 

 

Please call the office for a consultation with our doctors.

We are pleased to offer a 20% discount for our courageous veterans and first responders.

 

 

 

 

[i] Fang SC et al. (2015) Psychosocial functioning and Health related quality-of-life associated with posttraumatic stress disorder and male and female Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans: the VALOR registry. Jay women’s health 24:1038–1046.

[ii] Goldberg J et al.  (2014) The association of PTSD with physical and mental health functioning and disability (VA cooperative study #569: The course and consequences of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Vietnam era veterans twins). Qual Life Res 23:1579-1591

[iii] Nock MK et al. Prevalence and Corlett of suicidal behavior among soldiers: results from the army study to assess risk and resilience and service members (Army STARRS). JAMA Psychiatry 71: 514-522.

[iv] Perkonigg et al. (2000)  Dramatic events and post dramatic stress disorder in the community: prevalence, risk factors and comorbidity. Acta Psychiatr Scand 101:46-59.

[v] Atwoli et al (2015) epidemiology of post Trumatic stress disorder: prevalence, correlates and consequences.  Curr Opin Psychiatry 28: 307-311.

[vi] Mulvaney et al. The use of stellate ganglion block in the treatment of panic/anxiety symptoms with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder;premlimiary results of long-term follow-up: a case series. Pain Pract 2010;10(4): 350-365. Doi:10.1111/j.1533-2500.2010.00373.x.

 

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