Stellate Ganglion Block
A 15-minute, ultrasound-guided procedure performed by anesthesiologists with the same precision used in the operating room. Strong evidence base in PTSD — and one of the only practices in Atlanta offering it under a physician-led model.
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What happens after
A handful of patients notice relief within hours. For most, improvement unfolds over days to a few weeks. We follow up with you within 24 hours of your block and again at one to two weeks to assess your response and discuss next steps.
Most patients start with a right-sided block, which produces meaningful improvement in the majority of cases. For those who do not experience the expected benefit, a block on the left side may be the right next step. Some patients ultimately benefit most from blocks on both sides, performed on separate visits.
The positive effects of an SGB typically last several months. For patients who find the treatment helpful, scheduling repeat blocks a few times a year is a reasonable and common approach — particularly given how few options exist that directly address the fight-or-flight system at this level. We track your symptoms through Osmind between visits so our recommendations are based on how you are actually doing rather than a fixed schedule.
For patients who experience meaningful benefit but prefer a less invasive long-term approach, there are take-home devices and other options that may help support autonomic nervous system regulation between or instead of repeat blocks. We are happy to discuss what might be a good fit based on your response to treatment.
Tailored protocols. Physician-reviewed.
SGB treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Your treatment may involve a single procedure or a staged bilateral approach, based on your symptoms and response. We'll talk through the options and help you decide the best plan.
One Sided
$1,000
Two Sided
$1,600
WONDERING IF AN SGB IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
A free consultation is the best way to find out. We'll review your history, answer your questions, and recommend the best path forward — whether that includes SGB or not.
Still Have Questions? More info below
Understanding
the procedure.
Check out these short videos to learn more about how SGBs work and what the experience can feel like. We believe being fully informed is part of the process — and we're always happy to discuss further at your consultation.
Dr. James Lynch explanation of the block.
Patient Story from 60 Minutes
Frequent Questions
What is a stellate ganglion block and what does it do?
The stellate ganglion is a cluster of nerves in the neck that acts as an important relay point for the sympathetic nervous system — the system responsible for the fight-or-flight response. In conditions like PTSD, chronic anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms, this system can become persistently overactive, keeping the body locked in a state of stress long after the original threat has passed. Symptoms such as hypervigilance, insomnia, irritability, physical tension, and emotional numbness may all be connected to this overactivation.
A stellate ganglion block, also known as a Dual Sympathetic Reset, involves the precise injection of local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion under real-time ultrasound guidance. For many patients, it can function like a reset for an overactive stress response, helping the nervous system settle into a calmer, less reactive state.
SGB is not a new procedure. It has been used in medicine for nearly a century, originally as a treatment for chronic pain. Today, we perform SGBs under real-time ultrasound imaging, bringing modern precision to an established procedure for some of the most challenging mental health symptoms.
What conditions are treated by SGBs?
Does an SGB hurt? How long does the procedure take?
What are the side effects of SGBs?
What is the reason for doing an SGB on both sides?
How will I feel after SGB treatments and how long does this last? What if I don't respond?
A precise, office-based procedure delivered by board-certified anesthesiologists, with growing evidence showing real promise for trauma, anxiety, and stress-related conditions.