SGB Treatment for PTSD
Upon his return to civilian life after having served in Afghanistan and Iraq, Army Sergeant Sean Messett struggled with PTSD. Having tried therapy and medication management with no relief, Sergeant Messett heard another veteran speak on a podcast regarding an injection, or stellate ganglion block (SBG), that he had just received himself. With the help of Hanover’s For the Love of a Veteran Inc., Sergeant Messett received this injection, and it has changed his life.
SGB treatment consists of a localized injection of insulin into the individual’s stellate ganglion nerves, which are part of the sympathetic nervous system. This consists of a bundle of nerves that are directly connected to the sympathetic nerve, which triggers the body’s reaction to situations of stress or danger. This in turn causes the amygdala to release hormones that produce the fight or flight response. In the case of an individual whose amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex within the frontal lobe have been dramatically changed by trauma, this person can exhibit extremely emotional, angry, fearful or violent responses and/or reactions. The insulin injection serves to reprogram or restart one’s system, working to return it to normal functioning, pre-trauma.
Studies have shown that success rates range from 80-90%, results are immediate and can last from months to years dependent upon the patient’s needs and response to the injection. While SGB is not a cure, it greatly assists with talk therapy, as it allows patients to be able to think clearer and slow down their mind which was previously always on high alert. Individuals report being able to rest, decrease anger, stress and anxiety, and to reconnect with loved ones.
Quincy Kasper is another veteran who has benefited from the SGB injection. As an advocate for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, he states: ““The only way we’re going to be able to continue to help people and continue to move forward with this is to be talking about it. Because, again, mental health has such a stigma.” (Kasper, Q., 2022). With the overall successfulness of SGB treatment, perhaps more individuals will feel less stigmatized and feel more comfortable in seeking the help they may need.
References:
Escalante, A. (2021). Helping PTSD With A Shot: The New Treatments That Are Changing Lives. Forbes. Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisonescalante/2021/02/02/curing-ptsd-with-a-shot-the-new-treatments-that-are-changing-lives/?sh=55ff1ed06912
Mediak, G. (2022). Injection helping veterans manage PTSD symptoms. Fox43. Retrierved from: https://www.fox43.com/article/features/sbg-insulin-injection-veterans-ptsd-stellate-ganglion-block/521-49967b48-9e4c-42a1-a2ff-2bdfbed02b46
Rousseau, D. (2022). Neurobiology of Trauma. Module 3. Boston University Metropolitan College.
SGB for Vets (2022). Treatment for PTSD. Retrieved from: https://www.sgbforvets.com
Sutherland, D. (2022). Veteran gets effective PTSD relief through injections. 7WSAW-TV. Retrieved from: https://www.wsaw.com/2022/11/19/veteran-gets-effective-ptsd-relief-through-injections/
Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. New York, NY: Viking.
2 comments
Hey Jen,
I wrote my blog post about the neuro aspect behind PTSD and its effect on the brain. I noted the same thing you did about how trauma causes the amygdala to release the fight-or-flight hormones. I talked about how there were several different ways to “reset” and re-teach the brain how to revert back to normal functioning via therapies but hadn’t heard of SGB! SGB does precisely what the brain needs in order to function normally again and reduce PTSD symptoms. I’m glad I read through your blog and was able to tack this onto my own knowledge of PTSD and healing!
Hi!
This is an interesting treatment! Do you know how often people usually get the injections? You said it can last from a few months to years so I was curious if people usually just get one injection or continue to get them for years. I think that it would be a very helpful treatment for veterans do you know if it has been used for other populations like police officers?
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