A 2024 comprehensive review found SGB efficacy for PTSD symptoms ranges from 70–83% of treated patients achieving clinically significant positive outcomes across the full range of existing studies
Stellate Ganglion Block in Humble, TX: Rapid Relief for PTSD, Anxiety, and Trauma
Therapy helped — but not enough. Medication took the edge off — but not all the way. If PTSD or chronic anxiety has left you somewhere in the middle — better than you were, still far from where you need to be — stellate ganglion block addresses what conventional treatment can’t reach: the sympathetic nerve cluster in your neck that’s maintaining the overactivated stress state. Dr. Ho, board-certified anesthesiologist and former pediatrician, performs this ultrasound-guided procedure at Catalyst Health & Wellness, serving Humble residents and patients from Atascocita, Kingwood, Summerwood, Crosby, and northeast Houston. Three Houston locations, open every day from 5am–9pm.
Humble TX Deserves Real Answers
The name is misleading. Humble was the birthplace of the Texas oil boom — in 1905, the Humble oilfield was the largest producing oilfield in the entire state, and the Humble Oil and Refining Company that grew from it eventually became Exxon. The DeLorean Motor Company still has its only remaining private factory here. George Bush Intercontinental Airport sits at Humble’s doorstep. This is a community forged from industry, resilience, and a particular northeast Houston grit that doesn’t advertise itself.
That same quiet toughness can make PTSD and trauma harder to address. When your identity is built around being the person who handles things — the veteran, the first responder, the essential worker, the caregiver — the persistent symptoms of trauma dysregulation can feel like a private failure rather than a biological condition. The sleep you’re not getting. The reactions that don’t match the situation. The concentration that keeps slipping. The body that won’t settle down even when the environment is safe.
A 2024 secondary analysis of the landmark JAMA Psychiatry trial, published in Translational Psychiatry by RTI International researchers, identified precisely which PTSD symptoms respond most powerfully to stellate ganglion block: hypervigilance, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbance showed the greatest reductions of any symptom cluster following SGB — the cluster RTI researchers named “arousal and reactivity.” For Humble patients whose dominant experience of PTSD is that they’re always on, always tense, always unable to fully rest, that finding is directly relevant. SGB doesn’t just improve symptoms broadly. It targets the specific biological mechanism driving the most exhausting features of the condition.
What is Stellate Ganglion Block?
The stellate ganglion is a sympathetic nerve cluster located just above the collarbone, at the base of the neck — the anatomical junction where the inferior cervical ganglion and first thoracic ganglion fuse into a single node. As part of the sympathetic nervous system, it relays threat signals from the brain’s fight-or-flight centers to the heart, lungs, and upper body. In a healthy stress response, this system activates during genuine threat and deactivates when the threat passes. In PTSD and chronic anxiety, the deactivation never comes — the stellate ganglion keeps signaling as though the original danger is still present, maintaining elevated norepinephrine and a hair-trigger amygdala response that can persist for years.
Research consistently shows powerful results:
What Our Patients Say
How Stellate Ganglion Block Works
The mechanism behind SGB's effectiveness is clearer when you understand what trauma does to the body's electrical wiring — not just its chemistry.
Resetting the Sympathetic Nervous System
Trauma activates the sympathetic nervous system's fight-or-flight cascade through a well-documented pathway: the perceived threat triggers the amygdala, which activates the hypothalamus, which signals the sympathetic nervous system through its relay nodes — including the stellate ganglion — to prepare the body for survival. In normal stress responses, the parasympathetic nervous system eventually re-establishes balance. In PTSD and chronic anxiety, this rebalancing doesn't occur. The sympathetic system stays activated, maintaining elevated norepinephrine that keeps the amygdala hyperresponsive and the body in a state of sustained physiological readiness.
By injecting a local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion, SGB temporarily interrupts the sympathetic signals sustaining this overactivated state. RTI International's research suggests this interruption allows the autonomic nervous system to reset toward a calmer baseline — one where the threat-detection circuitry isn't continuously firing and the body's resources aren't continuously mobilized against a danger that no longer exists. The result is the specific symptom improvement RTI's 2024 secondary analysis documented: measurable reductions in hypervigilance, concentration difficulties, sleep disturbance, and physiological reactivity to trauma cues — the exhausting arousal and reactivity cluster that defines daily life with unresolved PTSD.
Reducing Brain Inflammation and Hyperactivity
Beyond the immediate sympathetic reset, SGB appears to reduce amygdala hyperactivity in ways that persist well beyond the anesthetic's active duration. Neuroimaging studies have documented measurable changes in how the amygdala processes threat-relevant stimuli following SGB — changes that correlate with the symptom improvements patients report. RTI International's analysis specifically found that physiological reactions to trauma cues — the racing heart, the sudden sweat, the body's involuntary response to triggers — showed meaningful reduction in the SGB group, suggesting the procedure does more than temporarily quiet the sympathetic system. It recalibrates how the brain's threat circuits respond to trauma-associated stimuli.
This recalibration creates a physiological window that many patients describe as the first genuine quiet they've known in years — and one that frequently makes other treatments more effective. Humble patients who've found therapy helpful but insufficient often find that SGB lowers the biological floor enough for that therapy to finally reach what it couldn't before.
Conditions We Treat with Stellate Ganglion Block in Humble
SGB addresses the sympathetic nervous system dysregulation underlying trauma-related and anxiety conditions. At Catalyst Health & Wellness, we offer SGB for:
PTSD
Rapid relief from hyperarousal, hypervigilance, and trauma symptoms
Read MoreAnxiety Disorders
Reducing the physical manifestations of severe anxiety
Read MorePanic Disorder
Calming the fight-or-flight response that drives panic attacks
Read MoreCombat-Related Trauma
Extensively studied in military populations with strong results
Read MoreComplex Trauma
Addressing symptoms from prolonged or repeated traumatic experiences
Read MoreTrauma with Physical Symptoms
Especially effective when anxiety manifests physically
Read MoreSGB integrates powerfully with Catalyst's other treatments. Combining SGB with ketamine therapy, Spravato, or TMS frequently produces stronger outcomes than any single approach alone — and SGB's physiological reset often makes trauma-focused therapy significantly more accessible and effective.
Your Stellate Ganglion Block Journey at Catalyst Health & Wellness
Every phase of the process at Catalyst has been designed for clarity, safety, and genuine respect for what trauma patients need to feel in order to receive care.
Step 1: Free Phone Consultation
No cost, no commitment. A clinical team member discusses your symptoms, your prior treatment history, and what you’re hoping to change. You’ll receive an honest assessment of whether SGB makes clinical sense for your situation — including a clear answer if it doesn’t.
Step 2: Medical Evaluation
Before proceeding, Dr. Ho conducts a thorough evaluation: medical history, current medications, prior procedures, and a review of any contraindications. You’ll have the opportunity to ask every question before anything is scheduled.
Step 3: Day of Procedure
Budget two to three hours at the clinic. Arrange a driver in advance — driving immediately post-procedure isn’t advisable. Wear comfortable clothing with an accessible collar. You may eat normally unless otherwise directed.
Step 4: The SGB Procedure
Dr. Ho positions you on a procedure table with your neck gently extended. Real-time ultrasound imaging identifies the stellate ganglion and surrounding structures — blood vessels, nerves, tissue planes — before any needle is placed. The skin is numbed first. The anesthetic is then precisely positioned near the stellate ganglion under continuous imaging guidance. The injection takes approximately 15–20 minutes. You may notice warmth spreading through your upper chest, slight hoarseness, or a sense of physical release — all expected signs the block is working.
Step 5: Recovery & Observation
You’re monitored for one to two hours after the procedure. Temporary Horner syndrome effects — drooping eyelid, hoarseness, warmth — indicate the stellate ganglion was successfully reached and resolve within a few hours. Our team stays present throughout observation.
Step 6: Assessing Response & Follow-Up
Many patients notice changes within hours to a few days. Our team follows up to track your response and determine next steps: a second procedure two weeks later (the standard protocol), maintenance scheduling based on individual results, or complementary treatment options at Catalyst.
The Science Behind Stellate Ganglion Block
A systematic review published in Chronic Stress examined 17 published studies on SGB for psychiatric disorders and found preliminary evidence supporting its feasibility for treating conditions involving sympathetic nervous system dysregulation. Improvements were observed within 5 minutes and lasted one month or longer.
The 2020 randomized controlled trial in JAMA Psychiatry enrolled 113 active-duty service members at three military hospitals. Two SGBs were administered two weeks apart. The SGB group achieved a mean PTSD symptom reduction of −12.6 points on the CAPS-5 versus −6.1 for sham — establishing Level 1B clinical evidence for SGB in PTSD, the highest standard yet reached for this indication.
The 2024 secondary analysis by RTI International researchers, published in Translational Psychiatry, went deeper than the original trial — asking which specific PTSD symptom clusters respond most to SGB. The finding: arousal and reactivity symptoms, specifically hypervigilance, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbance, showed the greatest severity reductions following SGB compared to sham. Re-experiencing symptoms, including physiological and emotional reactions to trauma cues, also showed pronounced response in clinician-rated outcomes. This symptom-level precision is the most specific SGB evidence published to date.
Key research findings:
- SGB most powerfully reduces the arousal and reactivity symptom cluster — hypervigilance, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbance — which RTI International’s 2024 analysis identified as the most SGB-responsive symptoms
- The 2020 JAMA Psychiatry RCT established Level 1B clinical evidence for SGB, the strongest evidentiary standard yet achieved for this procedure
- Effects appear within minutes to hours and last one month or longer, with research continuing to document multi-month durability
- 70–83% of treated patients achieve clinically significant positive outcomes across the full range of published SGB studies
Why Choose Catalyst Health & Wellness for Stellate Ganglion Block in Humble
01
Led by Dr. Ho – Anesthesiology Expertise
Stellate ganglion block requires a physician whose core training is built around nerve blocks, procedural anatomy, and clinical monitoring — not a peripheral skill added to another specialty. Dr. Ho's board certification in anesthesiology places him precisely in that category. He understands the stellate ganglion anatomically, knows its relationship to surrounding structures, and performs nerve blocks as a foundational part of his clinical work. His background as a former pediatrician adds a care culture that prioritizes the patient's comfort, pace, and sense of control throughout every step.
02
Ultrasound-Guided Precision
RTI International describes ultrasound as the “gold standard” for SGB delivery — allowing direct visualization of the target structure and surrounding anatomy rather than relying on bony landmarks. Every SGB at Catalyst uses real-time ultrasound imaging. Dr. Ho can see the stellate ganglion, the adjacent vascular structures, and the spread of anesthetic as it’s placed — accuracy that directly improves both effectiveness and safety. This isn’t optional. It’s how Dr. Ho performs every procedure.
03
Whole-Person Approach
Trauma doesn’t arrive cleanly packaged as a single diagnosis. From the first phone call, our team engages with your complete picture: symptoms, prior treatments, what hasn’t worked and why, what recovery would actually mean for your daily life. Treatment plans reflect that full assessment and are adjusted as you respond. What this means in practice:
- Treatment tailored to your specific symptom profile and trauma history
- Active integration with your existing therapist, psychiatrist, or VA provider if appropriate
- Guidance on how SGB fits within your broader care — not as a replacement but as a catalyst
- Ongoing clinical support between procedures and beyond
04
Extended Hours & Flexible Scheduling
Humble sits at the gateway to northeast Houston — IAH is minutes away, shift workers and first responders move through this community around the clock, and the rhythms of daily life here don’t follow standard business hours. Our 5am to 9pm hours, Monday through Sunday at all three Houston locations, match that reality. Early morning procedures before a shift, evening appointments after responsibilities end, weekend sessions — all available, every week.
05
Comprehensive Treatment Options
SGB works best as part of a comprehensive approach to trauma recovery. We offer additional treatments that can complement your care:
IV Ketamine Therapy
Rapid relief for PTSD, depression, and anxiety
IM Ketamine Therapy
Intramuscular ketamine for those who prefer this method
Spravato Treatment
FDA-approved nasal esketamine for treatment-resistant depression
TMS Therapy
Non-invasive brain stimulation for depression and OCD
Many patients find that combining SGB with ketamine therapy produces the most comprehensive relief from trauma symptoms.
06
Safe, Comfortable Environment
We understand that people with trauma need to feel safe. Every detail of our treatment environment has been designed with your comfort in mind. Our staff is trained in trauma-informed care, and we move at your pace throughout the entire process. You’ll never be rushed or pressured.
Getting Started with Stellate Ganglion Block in Humble
Humble was built on a discovery that changed Texas. If you’ve been living with PTSD or anxiety that hasn’t responded to conventional treatment, the discovery that changes your situation may be closer than you think — and it has nearly a century of clinical use and a growing body of rigorous research behind it. SGB targets the biology that therapy and medication can’t fully reach, often delivering the specific relief that’s been just out of grasp.
Call (713) 772-5315 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll discuss your history honestly, answer every question, and give you a clear picture of whether SGB makes sense as your next step. No pressure, no charge, complete confidentiality.
Our Heights clinic is accessible from Humble via US-59 and I-69. All three locations open 5am to 9pm, every day.
Monday-Sunday, 5am-9pm
Free consultation
Rapid relief
Three Houston locations
Expert anesthesiology care
Commonly Asked Questions
Get Help NowHow quickly does stellate ganglion block work?
Many patients notice improvement within days of the procedure, and some experience relief within minutes. Research shows that effects can appear within 5 minutes and last a month or longer. This rapid onset is one of SGB’s most remarkable features, especially for people who’ve been suffering with trauma symptoms for years.
Is stellate ganglion block safe?
Yes, SGB has been performed safely since the 1920s for various conditions. The procedure has a well-established safety profile with decades of clinical use. Common temporary effects include drooping eyelid, hoarse voice, and warmth on the treated side—all of which resolve within hours. Dr. Ho’s expertise as an anesthesiologist and use of ultrasound guidance ensures the highest safety standards.
Does the procedure hurt?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. You’ll feel a small pinch from the initial numbing injection, followed by pressure as the medication is administered. The procedure itself takes only minutes, and most patients tolerate it very well. Dr. Ho’s gentle technique and experience help ensure your comfort.
How many SGB treatments will I need?
Many patients experience significant improvement after one or two treatments. Research protocols typically involve two SGBs administered two weeks apart. Some patients benefit from additional treatments over time. We’ll assess your response and recommend a treatment schedule based on your individual results.
How long do the effects last?
Effects typically last one month or longer, with some patients experiencing sustained improvement for many months. A 2025 study found that 96% of patients maintained significant improvement at 6-month follow-up. If symptoms return, the procedure can be repeated.
Can I combine SGB with other treatments?
Yes, many patients find that SGB works best as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Combining SGB with ketamine therapy, for example, can provide both rapid sympathetic nervous system reset and enhanced neuroplasticity for processing trauma. SGB may also make traditional trauma therapy more tolerable and effective.
Do I need to talk about my trauma during treatment?
No. Unlike trauma-focused therapies that require detailed discussion of traumatic events, SGB works on the biological mechanisms underlying PTSD symptoms. You can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. The procedure addresses the physical hyperarousal component of trauma without requiring you to revisit painful memories.
Will insurance cover stellate ganglion block for PTSD?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. SGB for PTSD may be covered by some insurers, particularly when documented as treatment for a recognized condition with failed conventional treatments. We can help verify your benefits and discuss payment options during your consultation.
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