- Treatment
Stellate Ganglion Block — resetting the stress response
SGB is a targeted nerve block injection that quiets the overactive fight-or-flight system driving PTSD, anxiety, and trauma. Relief often begins within 24–72 hours. No sedation required.
Why patients choose SGB
72%
Reduction in PTSD severity in clinical studies
24h
Onset of relief for many patients
1–2
Injections in a standard course
15min
Procedure time
Results vary by individual. All treatments are preceded by a thorough clinical evaluation.
- Board-certified providers
- Evidence-based protocols
- Personalized treatment plans
- 281 Broadway, New York City
- Insurance support available
- — What it is
What is a Stellate Ganglion Block?
A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a minimally invasive injection of local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion — a cluster of sympathetic nerve cells in the neck that becomes hyperactivated following trauma or chronic stress.
Unlike medications that take weeks to work, SGB can produce meaningful symptom relief within 24–72 hours. DoD-funded clinical studies show significant PTSD symptom reduction following SGB.
The procedure takes 15–30 minutes, is performed under imaging guidance by a board-certified anesthesiologist, and requires no sedation allowing most patients to go home and resume normal activities immediately after.
What SGB is not
SGB is not a standalone cure and works best alongside therapy and ongoing psychiatric support. Hudson Mind integrates SGB into a comprehensive, individualized care plan.
How SGB works in the body
1
Targets the stellate ganglion
a sympathetic nerve cluster in the neck overactivated by trauma and chronic stress.
2
Resets nerve growth factor (NGF)
trauma elevates NGF, sprouting new sympathetic nerve fibers. SGB is thought to reverse this sensitization.
3
Quiets fight-or-flight signaling
interrupting hyperactive sympathetic pathways reduces hypervigilance, anxiety, and emotional reactivity.
4
Creates a window for healing
patients often describe emotional availability and capacity for connection returning within hours of the procedure.
- How SGB works in the body
1
Targets the stellate ganglion
a sympathetic nerve cluster in the neck overactivated by trauma and chronic stress.
2
Resets nerve growth factor (NGF)
trauma elevates NGF, sprouting new sympathetic nerve fibers. SGB is thought to reverse this sensitization.
3
Quiets fight-or-flight signaling
interrupting hyperactive sympathetic pathways reduces hypervigilance, anxiety, and emotional reactivity.
4
Creates a window for healing
patients often describe emotional availability and capacity for connection returning within hours of the procedure.
- — Who it helps
Conditions treated with SGB
SGB is most effective for conditions rooted in sympathetic nervous system overdrive — especially PTSD, trauma, and anxiety.
01
PTSD & complex trauma
Military trauma, assault, childhood adversity, and complex PTSD. Backed by DoD-funded clinical research.
02
Treatment-resistant anxiety
Anxiety that hasn't responded adequately to medications and therapy alone.
03
Anxiety disorders
Generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety where autonomic hyperactivation is a primary driver.
04
Trauma-related insomnia
Hyperarousal-driven sleep disruption, night terrors, and chronic nightmares associated with PTSD.
05
Grief & acute stress
Acute grief reactions, adjustment disorders, and stress-related conditions with autonomic overdrive.
- — Signs you may benefit
Symptoms SGB
may address
If you're experiencing several of the following, you may be a strong candidate for SGB at Hudson Mind.
- Persistent hypervigilance or feeling constantly on edge
- Intrusive flashbacks, nightmares, or trauma memories
- Emotional numbness or difficulty connecting with others
- Exaggerated startle response or flinching at minor sounds
- Panic attacks or severe anxiety
- Sleep disruptions tied to trauma or stress
- Avoidance of reminders of a traumatic event
- Hot flashes unrelated to standard hormonal causes
- Prior PTSD or anxiety treatments with limited relief
- — Our protocol
How Hudson Mind performs SGB
Our SGB protocol combines imaging-guided precision with comprehensive psychiatric oversight — ensuring safety, accuracy, and the best possible outcomes. All procedures are performed by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
01
Clinical evaluation & candidacy review
A Hudson Mind clinician reviews your psychiatric history, current symptoms, and prior treatments to confirm SGB is appropriate and screen for contraindications.
- First Step
02
Imaging-guided injection
Performed under ultrasound guidance. A local anesthetic is injected precisely into the stellate ganglion. No sedation required. Takes 15–30 minutes.
- Core procedure
03
Post-procedure monitoring
You rest for 30–60 minutes after the injection. Normal transient effects — temporary eyelid drooping, facial warmth — confirm the block is working and resolve within hours.
- Day of
04
Follow-up & second injection if indicated
Many patients receive 1–2 injections. A second SGB may be administered on the opposite side or as a booster 1–4 weeks after the first based on clinical response.
- Ongoing
- — The Experience
What to expect on your SGB day
Here's what a typical SGB experience looks like at Hudson Mind, from arrival to recovery.
1
Before your appointment
It is recommended to fast 2-4 hours prior to your procedure. Wear comfortable, loose clothing and take your prescribed medications as usual, unless otherwise instructed by your provider. Our team sends a preparation guide in advance.
2
Arrival & preparation
You'll be settled into a clinical procedure room. Your care team reviews the procedure, answers final questions, and positions you comfortably.
3
The injection
Rest while we monitor for normal transient effects — slight eyelid drooping and facial warmth. These confirm the block is working and resolve within hours.
4
In the days that follow
Many patients report reduced anxiety, hypervigilance, and emotional reactivity within 24–72 hours. Your care team follows up to assess your response and discuss next steps.
Not sure if SGB treatment is right for you?
Our team will walk you through your options and help you take the next step — no pressure, no commitment required.
Treatments offered
5
TMS FDA approved
2008
Ketamine in clinical use
50+ yrs
"SGB gave some of my most treatment-resistant patients the first real break from their symptoms they'd had in years. The speed of response — often within a day — is unlike anything else I've seen in psychiatry. "
Hudson Mind Team
- — Questions
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Book a free 15-minute phone discovery call with our care team.
Ready to find out if SGB is right for you?
Our team will walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you take the next step — with no pressure.
How does SGB differ from other PTSD treatments?
SGB targets the sympathetic nervous system directly via a nerve block, producing rapid relief from autonomic hyperactivation. Most PTSD treatments work more slowly through brain chemistry or cognitive patterns. SGB is often used alongside medication and therapy.
Is SGB painful?
How long does SGB relief last?
Relief can last from several months to years. Some patients require a second injection or periodic boosters. Hudson Mind monitors your progress and advises accordingly.
Does insurance cover SGB?
No, SGB is not covered by insurance and is offered on a self-pay basis. Hudson Mind can provide a superbill for patients who wish to pursue potential out-of-network reimbursement through their insurance plan.
Can SGB be combined with therapy?
Yes — and it is recommended. The post-SGB window of reduced sympathetic activation is ideal for trauma therapy (EMDR, CPT). Hudson Mind can coordinate with your existing therapist or refer you.
Who is not a candidate for SGB?
SGB may not be appropriate for patients with certain bleeding disorders, active infection at the injection site, or specific anatomical contraindications. Full clinical screening is performed before every procedure.
- — Related Care
Explore more at Hudson Mind
SGB is often part of a broader treatment plan. Explore other interventions at Hudson Mind.
Treatment
Ketamine Therapy
IV ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Administered over 4–6 sessions in a clinical setting.
Treatment
TMS Therapy
FDA-approved, non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation. No medication, no sedation. Covered by most major insurance plans.
Treatment
Spravato®
FDA-approved nasal spray esketamine. Insurance-covered for qualifying diagnoses.
Take the first step toward genuine relief
Schedule a free discovery call with a Hudson Mind intake member to discuss whether SGB is the right next step for you.
