Using Stellate Ganglion Block to treat PTSD in veterans
Official title: Efficacy and Safety of Stellate Ganglion Block for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10909798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a special treatment called Stellate Ganglion Block can help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) feel better, and it will compare the results with a fake treatment and a group that waits for the treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Long Beach, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002333-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with chronic PTSD who are actively seeking treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of PTSD or those who are not veterans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB), a procedure that may help alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial with three groups: one receiving the SGB treatment, one receiving a sham treatment, and a wait-list control group. Over a 12-week period, researchers will assess changes in PTSD symptoms and the safety of the procedure. The goal is to provide clearer evidence on the benefits and durability of SGB for veterans suffering from chronic PTSD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a rapid-acting treatment option for veterans with chronic PTSD, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While previous studies on SGB for PTSD have shown mixed results, this research aims to address methodological limitations and provide more definitive evidence.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Long Beach, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hollifield, Michael — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Hollifield, Michael
Related research
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Methylphenidate for PTSD with cognitive symptoms in veterans
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.