Anxiety disorders remain among the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of individuals with symptoms that interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. While traditional therapies such as medication and psychotherapy remain cornerstones of treatment, there is growing interest in innovative approaches that may offer additional relief. One of these emerging treatments is the Stellate Ganglion Block, a procedure historically used for pain management but now showing promise in reducing symptoms of anxiety. At NeoPsych, under the care of Dr. Thomas Hughes, patients are guided through this advanced treatment with a blend of clinical expertise and patient-centered care.
What Is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
The stellate ganglion is a bundle of nerves located in the neck that plays a critical role in the sympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “fight or flight” response. When this system is hyperactive, it can contribute to the physical and emotional manifestations of anxiety. A Stellate Ganglion Block involves the precise injection of a local and long-acting anesthetic around these nerves, temporarily interrupting the overactive signals.
Though the procedure has been a standard tool in interventional pain medicine for decades, recent clinical studies suggest that it may also benefit individuals struggling with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety. A 2023 review in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlighted evidence that Stellate Ganglion Block can modulate brain activity linked to anxiety regulation, opening the door for broader use in mental health treatment.
Why Patients Seek Stellate Ganglion Block for Anxiety
For many patients, anxiety is more than occasional worry. It can involve persistent intrusive thoughts, heightened stress responses, physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate and sweating, and difficulty maintaining focus. Standard treatments like antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are effective for many, yet some individuals experience only partial relief or intolerable side effects. Others may find that while psychotherapy offers meaningful coping strategies, their symptoms remain overwhelming.
This treatment is particularly relevant for patients who describe their anxiety as “physiological” in nature, dominated by bodily symptoms of hyperarousal that feel beyond conscious control. The Stellate Ganglion Block works directly on the sympathetic nervous system, which may explain why certain patients experience relief not only from anxiety itself but also from the physical cascade that accompanies it.
Techniques and Customization of Treatment
At NeoPsych, Stellate Ganglion Block is performed under image guidance to ensure accuracy and safety. Patients are carefully evaluated before the procedure, including a review of their medical history and prior treatments. The injection itself takes only minutes and is performed in a controlled outpatient setting.
What distinguishes this approach is not only the technical precision, but also the individualized planning that accompanies it. Some patients may benefit from a single block, while others may require a series of treatments. In certain cases, the block is performed on one side of the neck, followed by the opposite side at a later session to maximize results. Dr. Hughes emphasizes tailoring each treatment plan to the patient’s specific presentation of anxiety, overall health, and treatment goals.
Recovery, Outcomes, and Realistic Expectations
Recovery from a Stellate Ganglion Block is generally brief, with most patients able to return home shortly after the procedure. Temporary side effects such as a hoarse voice, drooping eyelid, or a feeling of warmth on one side of the face are common and expected, typically resolving within a few hours.
In terms of outcomes, studies have reported reductions in hyperarousal, improved sleep, and decreased intensity of anxiety symptoms. For example, a 2022 study in Military Medicine found that Stellate Ganglion Block provided significant relief in veterans with anxiety symptoms related to trauma exposure. However, responses vary. Some patients notice improvement within days, while others may experience more gradual changes over weeks. It is important to understand that Stellate Ganglion Block is not a universal solution and should be considered as part of a broader, comprehensive treatment plan.
Who Is a Candidate for Stellate Ganglion Block?
Candidacy for Stellate Ganglion Block is determined through a thorough consultation. Suitable candidates are typically individuals with anxiety symptoms that have not been fully addressed by traditional therapies or who are seeking alternatives due to medication side effects. Patients must be in generally good health and without contraindications such as active infection at the injection site, certain bleeding disorders, or uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions.
It is equally important to clarify who may not be an appropriate candidate. Those with mild or well-controlled anxiety may find more benefit from first-line therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication. Similarly, individuals with unrealistic expectations of a permanent cure may need additional counseling to ensure that the procedure is understood as a potential adjunct, not a stand-alone replacement for established treatment modalities.
Taking the Next Step
For patients navigating the challenges of anxiety, the Stellate Ganglion Block represents an innovative and scientifically supported option that targets the underlying nervous system pathways involved in hyperarousal. At NeoPsych, Dr. Thomas Hughes and his team approach this treatment with both clinical rigor and compassionate care, ensuring that each patient receives guidance tailored to their unique needs.
If you are considering whether a Stellate Ganglion Block may be appropriate for your situation, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we will evaluate your history, explore your treatment goals, and determine whether this advanced procedure has a role in your personalized care plan.