Cervical Plexus Hydrodissection with D5W for PTSD

Cervical Plexus Hydrodissection With D5W for PTSD Versus Delayed Treatment/Usual Care

NA · Dr. Dean Reeves Clinic · NCT04421573

This study tests whether a dextrose injection can help people with PTSD feel better compared to those who start treatment later.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorDr. Dean Reeves Clinic (other)
Locations4 sites (Lexington, Kentucky and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04421573 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of dextrose injection via cervical plexus hydrodissection as a treatment for PTSD, a chronic mental health condition. The study compares the effects of this intervention against a delayed treatment control group. The approach aims to provide a safer alternative to traditional treatments by avoiding the use of lidocaine, thus eliminating risks associated with its toxicity. Participants will be monitored over the course of a year to assess the efficacy of the treatment in alleviating PTSD symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic PTSD symptoms lasting over a year who have tried multiple medications and non-medication treatments without success.

Not a fit: Patients with severe needle phobia, active suicidal plans, or those with certain psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a new, accessible option for patients suffering from PTSD who have not responded to conventional therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have shown promise in treating PTSD, this specific method of using dextrose hydrodissection has not been formally evaluated in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 3or 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 Portlland, 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: None separate from inclusion criteria

Where this trial is running

Lexington, Kentucky and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: PTSD, Dextrose, Hydrodissection, Cervical Plexus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.