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 Spring, TX: Rapid Relief for PTSD, Anxiety, and Trauma
Your nervous system learned to survive. Now it won’t stop — and every therapy session, every medication, every attempt to think your way to calm runs up against a biological alarm system that’s still firing. Stellate ganglion block offers something fundamentally different: a direct intervention on the nerves responsible for that alarm, performed by Dr. Ho, board-certified anesthesiologist and former pediatrician, at Catalyst Health & Wellness. Serving Spring, The Woodlands, Klein, Humble, Tomball, and north Houston from three locations open daily, 5am–9pm.
Healing Starts Here, Spring TX
Spring, Texas carries more history than most people realize. Founded in 1838 along Spring Creek, it grew from a railroad town into one of north Harris County’s most expansive communities — and today it’s home to a remarkably diverse population of families, first responders, veterans, and healthcare workers who live along the I-45 corridor, near Old Town Spring, and throughout the Spring ISD area. People here work hard, serve their communities, and take pride in resilience.
But resilience has a biological ceiling. When the sympathetic nervous system becomes chronically dysregulated — when PTSD or severe anxiety has locked it into a state of persistent hyperarousal — resilience alone can’t override the physiology. The hypervigilance, the sleep disruption, the explosive reactions, the inability to relax even in safe surroundings: these are symptoms of a nervous system that’s been rewired by trauma, not a weakness of character.
Stellate ganglion block (SGB) reaches that rewiring directly. Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — a program with direct ties to the Spring and north Houston community — have reviewed SGB’s evidence base and found it demonstrates “remarkable efficacy in ameliorating symptomatology and enhancing overall quality of life” for PTSD patients. Their comprehensive 2024 review in Psychopharmacology Bulletin, written in part by UT Health Houston’s own Department of Anesthesiology, places SGB within a growing body of evidence that goes well beyond traditional treatment options. For Spring residents whose symptoms haven’t responded to therapy or medication, that evidence represents a genuinely different door.
What is Stellate Ganglion Block?
The stellate ganglion is a cluster of sympathetic nerves located in the neck, at the base of the throat, near the sixth cervical vertebra. It functions as a primary relay station for the sympathetic nervous system’s signals to the brain, heart, and upper body — the very signals that generate the fight-or-flight cascade. When trauma causes this system to become chronically overactive, the stellate ganglion is among the key nodes keeping it stuck.
Stellate ganglion block is a procedure with roots stretching back nearly a century — it’s been used safely since the 1920s for conditions ranging from chronic pain to vascular disorders. Its application for psychiatric symptoms was first documented in 1947, when physicians noted it produced improved mood. Its specific use for PTSD was documented in a 1990 case report, and clinical interest accelerated sharply when military physicians began reporting dramatic symptom improvement in active-duty service members and veterans. As of 2024, there are 38 publications in the peer-reviewed medical literature — including a landmark level 1 randomized controlled trial — describing safety and durable improvement in PTSD symptoms following SGB.
What makes SGB compelling isn’t just the evidence. It’s the mechanism. Dr. Ho injects a local anesthetic near the stellate ganglion under real-time ultrasound guidance. The anesthetic temporarily interrupts sympathetic nerve conduction — blocking the signals that keep your nervous system in high alert. Researchers believe this interruption allows nerve growth factor (NGF) levels to normalize, which in turn helps reset the signaling pathways between the sympathetic nervous system, the amygdala, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The result: many Spring patients describe feeling noticeably calmer within hours of the procedure — before the local anesthetic has even worn off. The biological reset that begins in that window can persist for months.
Research consistently shows powerful results:
What Our Patients Say
How Stellate Ganglion Block Works
Understanding why SGB works requires understanding what happens in your nervous system after trauma. When you experience a traumatic event, your sympathetic nervous system activates to help you survive. In PTSD and chronic anxiety, this system gets "stuck" in the on position, keeping you in a constant state of hyperarousal even when there's no actual threat.
Resetting the Sympathetic Nervous System
When you experience trauma, your sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response: adrenaline surges, heart rate spikes, attention narrows, muscles prepare for action. In a healthy recovery, the parasympathetic nervous system eventually restores balance. In PTSD and chronic anxiety, that restoration doesn't happen. The sympathetic system stays activated — maintaining elevated norepinephrine levels, keeping the amygdala on high alert, signaling the body to stay prepared for danger that never comes.
The stellate ganglion, as a sympathetic relay node in the neck, plays a central role in sustaining this dysregulation. By injecting local anesthetic at this specific location, SGB temporarily interrupts the nerve signals maintaining the overactivated state. UT Health Houston researchers describe this as modulating "sympathetic excitability" through the inhibition of nerve growth factor and its signaling cascade — a chain reaction that, once interrupted, allows the nervous system to find a calmer baseline. Many Spring patients report that the first sign of response is physical: a warmth spreading through the upper body, a sensation of the chest opening, a reduction in the physical tension they'd forgotten wasn't normal.
Reducing Brain Inflammation and Hyperactivity
Beyond the sympathetic nervous system reset, SGB appears to produce changes in how the brain's stress circuitry functions. Research using neuroimaging has detected measurable changes in amygdala activity following SGB — the amygdala being the brain's primary threat-detection center, which in PTSD is chronically overactivated and hyperresponsive to cues that don't represent genuine danger. By reducing this hyperactivity, SGB makes it possible to engage in daily life — in relationships, in therapy, in work — without the constant intrusion of a nervous system that treats every stressor as a life-threatening event.
The 2024 review by UT Health Houston authors frames this through two complementary pathways: ascending regulation, which modulates neuroendocrine activity, and descending regulation, which modulates sympathetic outflow to peripheral organs. Together, these pathways offer a plausible neurobiological explanation for why SGB produces changes that neither medication nor talk therapy — working from the top down — can fully achieve on their own.
Conditions We Treat with Stellate Ganglion Block in Spring
SGB shows effectiveness across the spectrum of conditions rooted in sympathetic nervous system dysregulation. 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 can also complement our other treatment options for comprehensive care. Many patients benefit from combining SGB with ketamine therapy, TMS, or Spravato for maximum symptom relief. Your personalized treatment plan will be tailored to address your specific symptoms and goals.
Your Stellate Ganglion Block Journey at Catalyst Health & Wellness
Every step has been designed to be straightforward, unhurried, and genuinely supportive for Spring patients navigating trauma care.
Step 1: Free Phone Consultation
No cost, no pressure, no requirement to share more than you’re ready to share. A clinical team member will discuss your symptoms, your treatment history, and what you’re hoping to change. You’ll receive an honest assessment of whether SGB is likely to be helpful for your specific situation — and a direct answer if it isn’t.
Step 2: Medical Evaluation
Before proceeding, Dr. Ho conducts a thorough medical evaluation to confirm your eligibility for SGB and rule out any contraindications. This includes a review of your medical history, current medications, and any prior procedures. You’ll have the opportunity to ask every question you have before anything is scheduled.
Step 3: Day of Procedure
Plan for approximately two to three hours at the clinic. Arrange transportation in advance — driving immediately after SGB isn’t advisable given the temporary effects of the local anesthetic. Wear comfortable clothing with an open or low collar for easy access to the neck area.
Step 4: The SGB Procedure
You’ll be positioned on a procedure table with your neck gently extended. Dr. Ho will use real-time ultrasound imaging to visualize the stellate ganglion and surrounding structures, ensuring precise anesthetic placement. A small amount of local anesthetic is applied to the skin first, then the anesthetic is injected near the stellate ganglion. The injection itself takes approximately 15–20 minutes. During the procedure, you may feel warmth, a sense of relaxation, or mild pressure. These are signs the medication is working.
Step 5: Recovery & Observation
After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for one to two hours. Temporary effects — a drooping eyelid, slight hoarseness, warmth on the treated side — are expected and typically resolve within a few hours. These are signs of a successful Horner syndrome response, indicating the stellate ganglion was effectively reached. Our team remains present and attentive throughout your observation period.
Step 6: Assessing Response & Follow-Up
Most patients notice changes within hours to days of the procedure. Our team follows up with you to track your response and discuss next steps. Research protocols typically involve two SGBs administered two weeks apart. We assess your individual response and recommend a treatment schedule accordingly — whether that’s a second procedure, periodic maintenance, or complementary treatment at Catalyst.
The Science Behind Stellate Ganglion Block
SGB’s evidence base for psychiatric conditions spans nearly eight decades of clinical observation and increasingly rigorous research.
A systematic review published in Chronic Stress examined 17 published studies on SGB for psychiatric disorders and found preliminary evidence supporting its feasibility for conditions involving sympathetic nervous system dysregulation. Improvements were observed within 5 minutes of SGB and lasted one month or longer across multiple studies. The review noted that 88% of published studies focused on PTSD, with results consistently indicating meaningful symptom reduction.
The 2020 randomized controlled trial published in JAMA Psychiatry enrolled 113 participants — active-duty military service members — across three military hospitals. Participants received two SGBs two weeks apart. The SGB group achieved a mean PTSD symptom reduction of −12.6 points on the CAPS-5 scale versus −6.1 for the sham group — a significant, clinically meaningful difference. This trial established what researchers call “Level 1B” evidence for SGB as a PTSD treatment — the highest evidence standard yet achieved for this procedure.
A 2025 retrospective analysis of bilateral two-level SGB found that 96% of patients showed significant improvement in PTSD symptoms at 6-month follow-up, with an average symptom score improvement of 55.48% — a result that reflects both the durability of SGB’s effects and the value of refined procedural technique.
Key research findings:
- SGB produces rapid symptom relief, often within minutes to hours, with effects lasting one month or longer and potential for sustained improvement
- The 2020 JAMA Psychiatry RCT established Level 1B evidence for SGB — the strongest clinical evidence standard yet achieved for this indication
- Across the full range of existing studies, 70–83% of treated patients achieve clinically significant positive outcomes
- Research continues expanding SGB’s evidence base beyond PTSD into generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and other conditions involving sympathetic dysregulation
Why Choose Catalyst Health & Wellness for Stellate Ganglion Block in Spring
01
Led by Dr. Ho – Anesthesiology Expertise
Stellate ganglion block is an interventional procedure that demands a physician with genuine nerve block expertise. Dr. Ho's board certification in anesthesiology is precisely the right credential: he trains specifically in nerve block technique, procedural anatomy, ultrasound guidance, and the management of procedural side effects. This isn't a credential that's adjacent to what SGB requires — it's the credential at the center of it. Spring patients receive SGB from a physician who performs nerve blocks as core clinical work, not an occasional add-on.
02
Ultrasound-Guided Precision
Every SGB procedure at Catalyst uses real-time ultrasound imaging to visualize the stellate ganglion and surrounding neck structures before and during injection. This guidance eliminates guesswork about needle placement, improves anesthetic delivery accuracy, and significantly reduces procedural risk compared to landmark-based techniques. It’s the standard of care — and at Catalyst, it’s the only approach Dr. Ho uses.
03
Whole-Person Approach
Trauma doesn’t end at the neck. From the first phone call, our team engages with your full story — the symptoms, the prior treatments, the life impact, and what recovery actually means for you. Treatment plans are built around that complete understanding and adjusted as your response evolves. What this means:
- Treatment tailored to your trauma history and specific symptom profile
- Consideration of how SGB fits within your existing care — therapy, medication, other treatments
- Coordination with your existing therapist, psychiatrist, or primary care provider if desired
- Ongoing support throughout the treatment process, not just at the procedure itself
04
Extended Hours & Flexible Scheduling
Spring residents and the surrounding north Houston community face real scheduling demands — shift workers, first responders, healthcare professionals, military families managing complex calendars. Our 5am to 9pm hours, Monday through Sunday at all three Houston locations, mean you don’t have to choose between care and obligations. Early morning appointments before a shift, evening sessions after it ends, weekend procedures — all available.
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 Spring
Spring was founded along the banks of a creek by people who were building something that hadn’t existed before. If you’re living with PTSD, trauma, or anxiety that hasn’t responded to conventional care, you may be in a similar position — ready to try something that hasn’t been tried yet. SGB is that option. Backed by decades of clinical use and a growing body of rigorous research, it offers a biological reset that therapy and medication can’t replicate.
Call (713) 772-5315 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your history, answer every question honestly, and give you a clear picture of whether SGB is the right next step for your situation. No pressure, no charge, complete confidentiality.
Our Heights clinic at 104 W. 12th Street is accessible from Spring via I-45. All three locations are open 5am to 9pm, seven days a week.
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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