Bilateral cervical sympathetic blocks with optional integrative therapy for Special Operations veterans with PTSD and trauma-related symptoms

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This is a prospective observational case series enrolling Special Operations Forces veterans who independently seek bilateral cervical sympathetic blocks as part of routine care. Participants receive BCSB using standardized FDA‑approved dosing of 0.5% ropivacaine, and outcomes are compared between those who receive BCSB alone versus BCSB plus structured integrative therapy. Validated symptom measures for PTSD, TBI, anxiety, and moral injury are administered alongside strict safety monitoring. Clinical procedures are performed at RESET Medical and Wellness Center and recruitment occurs through the Operator Relief Fund intake flow without altering clinical decision-making.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years or older
* PTSD (PCL Score of 33 or greater at baseline screening)
* Willing and able to provide informed consent and complete study procedures
* Fluent in English
* Special Operations Forces Veteran

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recent Sympathetic Block: Receipt of any cervical sympathetic block (including stellate ganglion block \[SGB\], dual sympathetic ganglion block \[DSGB\], or bilateral SGB/BCSB), whether unilateral or bilateral, within the past 6 months.
* Concurrent interventional clinical trial participation: Currently enrolled in another interventional clinical trial or receiving any experimental treatment targeting PTSD, TBI, or autonomic dysfunction during the study period
* Acute Psychiatric Instability: Currently experiencing acute psychiatric crisis requiring inpatient care, active suicidal or homicidal intent, or untreated mania, psychosis, or severe dissociation
* Medical Contraindications to BCSB: Any known anatomical abnormalities, bleeding disorders, allergy to local anesthetics, pregnancy, or comorbidities that represent a contraindication to receiving a cervical sympathetic block, per the treating physician's judgment.
* Language or communication barriers: Inability to read, speak, or understand English sufficiently to complete informed consent and study assessments
* Low PTSD Symptom Severity at Baseline: PCL-5 Score \< 33 at screening, indicating subclinical or minimal PTSD symptoms (Rationale: to ensure measurable clinical benefit and reduce floor effects)

Where it's running

• Reset Medical and Wellness Center
  Strongsville, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Michael Louwers, MD — Reset Medical and Wellness Center
• Study coordinator: Michael Louwers, MD
• Email: mlouwers@theresetcenter.com
• Phone: 877-737-3810

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.