Upon his return to civilian life after having served in Afghanistan and Iraq, Army Sergeant Sean Messett struggled with PTSD.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 With the help of Hanover’s For the Love of a Veteran Inc., Sergeant Messett received this injection, and it has changed his life.<\/p>\n
SGB treatment consists of a localized injection of insulin into the individual\u2019s stellate ganglion nerves, which are part of the sympathetic nervous system.\u00a0 This consists of a bundle of nerves that are directly connected to the sympathetic nerve, which triggers the body\u2019s reaction to situations of stress or danger.\u00a0 This in turn causes the amygdala to release hormones that produce the fight or flight response.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 The insulin injection serves to reprogram or restart one\u2019s system, working to return it to normal functioning, pre-trauma.<\/p>\n
Studies have shown that success rates range from 80-90%, results are immediate and can last from months to years dependent upon the patient\u2019s needs and response to the injection.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Individuals report being able to rest, decrease anger, stress and anxiety, and to reconnect with loved ones.<\/p>\n
Quincy Kasper is another veteran who has benefited from the SGB injection.\u00a0 As an advocate for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, he states: \u201c\u201cThe only way we\u2019re going to be able to continue to help people and continue to move forward with this is to be talking about it.\u00a0 Because, again, mental health has such a stigma.\u201d\u00a0 (Kasper, Q., 2022).\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
References:<\/u><\/p>\n
Escalante, A. (2021).\u00a0 Helping PTSD With A Shot: The New Treatments That Are Changing Lives<\/em>.\u00a0 Forbes.\u00a0 Retrieved from:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/alisonescalante\/2021\/02\/02\/curing-ptsd-with-a-shot-the-new-treatments-that-are-changing-lives\/?sh=55ff1ed06912<\/a><\/p>\n Mediak, G. (2022).\u00a0 Injection helping veterans manage PTSD symptoms<\/em>.\u00a0 Fox43.\u00a0 Retrierved from:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.fox43.com\/article\/features\/sbg-insulin-injection-veterans-ptsd-stellate-ganglion-block\/521-49967b48-9e4c-42a1-a2ff-2bdfbed02b46<\/a><\/p>\n Rousseau, D. (2022).\u00a0\u00a0Neurobiology of Trauma<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0Module 3. \u00a0Boston University Metropolitan College.<\/p>\n SGB for Vets (2022).\u00a0 Treatment for PTSD<\/em>.\u00a0 Retrieved from: https:\/\/www.sgbforvets.com<\/a><\/p>\n