Stellate ganglion block and interventional treatment for post-traumatic stress — offered alongside your existing care, not in place of it.
The VA describes this procedure as one that may help some people, while noting it is not established treatment. We agree with that assessment — and we say so before you decide anything.
The Department of Veterans Affairs describes stellate ganglion block as a procedure that may offer short-term benefit for some people with PTSD, while noting that it is not an established treatment and that the evidence is not conclusive. We agree with that assessment, and we say so plainly.
If you have not yet tried trauma-focused psychotherapy — prolonged exposure, cognitive processing therapy, or EMDR — or an adequate trial of medication, those come first, and we will tell you so.
For veterans who have done that work and have not found lasting relief, SGB may be worth considering. It appears most useful in combination with continued therapy rather than on its own, and that is how we deliver it.
A formal diagnosis from a treating clinician.
Including psychotherapy and medication, without significant or lasting improvement.
If you are not, we will help you get connected before we treat you.
Local anaesthetic is placed near the stellate ganglion — a cluster of nerves involved in the body's fight-or-flight response. In trauma, that system can stay switched on. The block interrupts it.
There is no sedation and no IV. Reported benefit lasts at least several weeks. A second injection helps some people and not others. Serious complications are possible, though uncommon, and Dr. Artamonov will go through them with you before you consent to anything.
With your permission we coordinate with your VA mental health provider or Vet Center counsellor, and we send them our assessment findings and outcome measures.
Use of stellate ganglion block for post-traumatic stress is off-label. Kairova is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or a contracted provider for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Individual responses vary and cannot be predicted.
Available at all hours. Kairova does not provide emergency psychiatric care. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
A complimentary conversation with Dr. Artamonov, by telephone or video. He will listen to your history and tell you honestly whether Kairova is the right next step. No sales call. No pressure.