Cervical Plexus Dextrose Injection vs Saline for Treatment-Resistant PTSD
Official title: Cervical Plexus Hydrodissection With D5W Versus NS for Treatment-Resistant PTSD
Run by Dr. Dean Reeves Clinic · NCT07382596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a D5W injection around the neck nerves helps reduce PTSD symptoms in people who haven’t responded to other treatments, compared with normal saline.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 19 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Dr. Dean Reeves Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Lexington, Kentucky and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2030 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | November 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07382596 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with PTSD who have not responded to at least two medications and two non-medication therapies, live near participating sites, and can complete a year-long follow-up.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not respond to nerve-targeted D5W injections or who have contraindications to injections may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, phase 4 trial compares bilateral cervical plexus injections of 5% dextrose in water (D5W) to bilateral injections of normal saline in adults with treatment-resistant PTSD. The approach avoids lidocaine and can be performed in outpatient settings with ultrasound guidance. Participants have had multiple prior PTSD treatments and will be followed for about a year to assess symptom changes and safety. The study leverages prior observational signals that D5W injections may reduce anxiety, brain fog, and depression in PTSD. Outcomes will help determine if this nerve-targeted, perineural therapy could become a long-term option for difficult-to-treat PTSD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience reduced PTSD symptoms and improved quality of life with a less pharmacologic, office-based treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Limited but encouraging observational data exist for D5W injections in PTSD; this trial assesses efficacy in a randomized, controlled setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion Criteria: * Not involved in another study of PTSD treatment * Reliable transportation * Comfortable with computers * Tried 2 or more medications for treatment of PTSD symptoms * Tried 2 or more non-medication treatments for PTSD symptom * No known life-threatening illness * Not taking daily narcotics * Not having 3 or more alcoholic drinks on an average day * No active suicidal plans * No major surgery plans * No major life stress that might interfere with completing study * Symptoms for more than 1 year * Not planning to move for next 18 months. * Living within an hour of Portland, OR, Madison, WI, or Lexington, KY * Wiling to provide 2 email and 2 phone contact methods * Willing to answer questions on multiple occasions over the course of a year. * Willing to be assigned to 3 months of usual care treatment * No diagnosis of schizophrenia, Borderline Personality Disorder, or Bipolar Disorder. * No severe needle phobia * Chronic pain ≤ 5/10 * PCL-C score ≥ 50 Exclusion Criteria: \-
Where it's running
-
NW Regen
Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting -
Paul Johnson, MD.
Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting -
Medical Procedures of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting -
Wellward Medical
Lexington, Kentucky, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kenneth D Reeves, M.D. — Dr. Dean Reeves Clinic
- Study coordinator: Kenneth D Reeves, MD
- Email: DeanReevesmd@gmail.com
- Phone: 9133621600
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.