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 Webster, TX: Rapid Relief for PTSD, Anxiety, and Trauma
Webster calls itself the “Gateway to the Future” — a city that chose an optimistic tagline and has spent decades earning it, positioned midway between Houston and Galveston along NASA Road 1, surrounded by the aerospace corridor, the Clear Lake medical community, and a workforce that includes some of the most analytically rigorous professionals in the region. If you’ve run a careful, evidence-based process on treating PTSD or anxiety and still haven’t broken through, stellate ganglion block is the option the evidence supports — a direct biological intervention on the sympathetic nerve cluster maintaining your stress response’s overactivated state. Dr. Ho, board-certified anesthesiologist and former pediatrician, performs this ultrasound-guided procedure at Catalyst Health & Wellness for Webster patients and those from League City, Friendswood, Clear Lake, Kemah, and south Harris County. Three Houston locations open every day, 5am–9pm.
Webster TX — Evidence Points Here
Webster’s proximity to NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the aerospace ecosystem it anchors has shaped a workforce that approaches problems systematically — engineers, scientists, mission controllers, and the military veterans who often transition into those roles. That same workforce is well-represented in the community’s PTSD and trauma population. And for systematically-minded people who’ve already worked through the standard treatment options — therapy, medication, combinations — and found a persistent ceiling they can’t clear, the question isn’t “should I try something?” It’s “what does the evidence actually say?”
The evidence for stellate ganglion block is now substantial enough to answer that question directly. A 2024 study published in Military Medicine — led by Lt. Col. Sean Mulvaney, the physician credited with pioneering SGB for combat PTSD — found that bilateral two-level SGB improved symptoms not only in PTSD patients but also in patients with comorbid traumatic brain injury. In 23 patients who received bilateral 2-level SGB for PTSD and also had a history of TBI, Neurobehavioral Symptoms Inventory scores showed measurable improvement at one week and one month post-procedure. TBI and PTSD, the researchers noted, “share both common symptoms and pathophysiology” — and SGB’s anti-neuroinflammatory properties may address the chronic neuroinflammation that perpetuates both conditions simultaneously. For Webster’s aerospace and military-connected community, where TBI alongside PTSD is a clinical reality not an edge case, that finding is directly relevant.
What is Stellate Ganglion Block?
The stellate ganglion sits at the anatomical junction where the inferior cervical ganglion and the first thoracic ganglion fuse — a cluster of sympathetic nerves located just anterior to the seventh cervical vertebra at the base of the neck. As a key relay node in the sympathetic nervous system, it governs the autonomic signals that regulate the fight-or-flight response in the head, upper body, and cardiovascular system. In PTSD and chronic anxiety, this node operates in a state of persistent dysregulation: elevated nerve growth factor has driven sympathetic nerve sprouting, norepinephrine production is chronically elevated, and the amygdala maintains a hyperresponsive threat-detection state even in environments that are objectively safe.
Research consistently shows powerful results:
What Our Patients Say
How Stellate Ganglion Block Works
For Webster's analytically oriented community, the mechanism of SGB deserves a complete explanation — not a simplified version designed to avoid technical language.
Resetting the Sympathetic Nervous System
Trauma drives the sympathetic nervous system into a state of chronic overactivation through a well-documented molecular cascade. The traumatic experience triggers elevated nerve growth factor (NGF), which causes sympathetic nerve sprouting — literally increasing the density of sympathetic nerve fibers connected to the amygdala and cardiovascular system. This increased fiber density drives norepinephrine production chronically higher, maintaining the amygdala in a state of hyperresponsiveness and keeping the body physiologically prepared for threats that are no longer present. The right stellate ganglion has a specific sympathetic advantage in its connection to the right insula and amygdala, which is why right-sided SGB is the primary approach, with left-sided blocks used for patients who don't respond sufficiently to right-sided treatment alone.
The 2024 Military Medicine study added a dimension to this mechanism that's directly relevant to Webster's military-connected population: TBI and PTSD share "neuroinflammatory, oxidative, and excitotoxic mechanisms" that SGB's sympathetic blockade addresses simultaneously. By reducing sympathetic outflow and the inflammatory signaling that sustains chronic neuroinflammation, SGB may benefit TBI-associated neurobehavioral symptoms — cognitive difficulties, headaches, emotional lability — alongside the PTSD-specific hyperarousal and avoidance symptoms that are the primary SGB indication.
Reducing Brain Inflammation and Hyperactivity
Beyond the sympathetic reset, SGB produces measurable downstream changes in amygdala function. A 2015 VA neuroimaging case study — published by researchers at the Long Beach VA and cited across the subsequent SGB literature — was the first to document changes in amygdala activity following SGB for PTSD using functional imaging, correlating those changes with the symptom improvements patients reported. This imaging evidence places SGB in a distinct mechanistic category from both medications (which adjust neurotransmitter chemistry) and psychotherapy (which modulates cognition and behavior) — reaching a biological substrate that neither approach directly addresses.
For Webster patients who've experienced the characteristic pattern of PTSD — where cognitive understanding of a threat as past hasn't produced the physiological sense of safety — this amygdala-level recalibration is the mechanism that explains why SGB can succeed where both insight and medication have fallen short.
Conditions We Treat with Stellate Ganglion Block in Webster
SGB addresses sympathetic nervous system dysregulation across a range of trauma 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 combines powerfully with Catalyst's other treatments. For Webster patients managing PTSD alongside treatment-resistant depression, combining SGB with ketamine therapy or Spravato often produces outcomes stronger than either approach alone.
Your Stellate Ganglion Block Journey at Catalyst Health & Wellness
Every step of the process at Catalyst has been structured to be transparent, efficient, and appropriately rigorous for Webster patients who expect precision in clinical care.
Step 1: Free Phone Consultation
No cost, no commitment. A clinical team member discusses your symptoms, treatment history, and what you’re looking for. You receive an honest clinical assessment of whether SGB makes sense for your situation — including a direct answer if it doesn’t.
Step 2: Medical Evaluation
Dr. Ho conducts a thorough pre-procedure evaluation: medical history, current medications, prior procedures, and contraindication review. Every question is addressed before any commitment is made.
Step 3: Day of Procedure
Budget two to three hours at the clinic. Arrange transportation — post-procedure driving isn’t advisable. Comfortable clothing with an accessible collar area. Normal eating unless instructed otherwise.
Step 4: The SGB Procedure
Dr. Ho uses real-time ultrasound imaging to visualize the stellate ganglion and surrounding anatomical structures — blood vessels, nerves, and tissue planes — before placing the needle. Skin is numbed first. The anesthetic is delivered under continuous imaging guidance. The injection takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Warmth, slight hoarseness, or a sense of physical release are expected signs of a successful block.
Step 5: Recovery & Observation
One to two hours of monitored recovery follows. Temporary Horner syndrome effects — drooping eyelid, hoarseness, warmth on the treated side — indicate successful stellate ganglion interruption and resolve within a few hours. Our team remains present throughout.
Step 6: Assessing Response & Follow-Up
Changes typically emerge within hours to days. Our team follows up to track your response and discuss next steps: a second procedure two weeks later, maintenance scheduling, or complementary treatment at Catalyst.
The Science Behind Stellate Ganglion Block
A systematic review published in Chronic Stress examined 17 published studies on SGB for psychiatric disorders, finding preliminary evidence supporting feasibility for treating sympathetic nervous system dysregulation conditions. 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 across three military hospitals. Two SGBs administered two weeks apart produced a mean PTSD symptom reduction of −12.6 points versus −6.1 for sham — establishing Level 1B clinical evidence for SGB. The study also demonstrated improvement in secondary outcomes including anxiety, depression, pain, and overall functioning — not only PTSD symptom severity.
The 2024 Military Medicine study by Mulvaney, Lynch, Rae Olmsted, and colleagues evaluated bilateral 2-level SGB in 23 patients with both PTSD and TBI, finding measurable improvement in Neurobehavioral Symptoms Inventory scores at one week and one month post-procedure. This was the first study specifically demonstrating SGB’s benefit for TBI-related symptoms alongside PTSD — attributing the effect to SGB’s anti-neuroinflammatory properties addressing the shared pathophysiology of both conditions. For Webster’s military and aerospace workforce, where TBI and PTSD coexist at higher rates than in the general population, this finding directly expands SGB’s applicable clinical benefit.
Key research findings:
- Bilateral 2-level SGB improved both PTSD and TBI neurobehavioral symptoms in the 2024 Military Medicine study — the first evidence that SGB addresses the shared neuroinflammatory pathophysiology of this clinical combination
- The 2020 JAMA Psychiatry RCT established Level 1B evidence for SGB — including secondary improvements in anxiety, depression, and physical functioning beyond the primary PTSD outcome
- Effects appear within minutes to hours and last one month or longer, with the 2025 Uniformed Services University retrospective study confirming 96% improvement at six-month follow-up
- The right stellate ganglion has a specific sympathetic advantage in its connection to the amygdala and insula — explaining the right-sided preference for SGB, with left-sided or bilateral approaches available for patients requiring additional benefit
Why Choose Catalyst Health & Wellness for Stellate Ganglion Block in Webster
01
Led by Dr. Ho – Anesthesiology Expertise
SGB is a procedural intervention requiring nerve block anatomy expertise, ultrasound guidance proficiency, and the clinical judgment to manage anesthetic delivery adjacent to major vascular and neurological structures. Dr. Ho's board certification in anesthesiology places him among the small group of physicians for whom these are foundational skills rather than add-ons. Webster's analytically minded population — accustomed to working with credentialed experts in high-stakes fields — will recognize the difference that the right specialist makes. His background as a former pediatrician ensures that clinical precision is paired with genuine patient attentiveness.
02
Ultrasound-Guided Precision
Every SGB at Catalyst is performed under real-time ultrasound imaging. The 2024 Military Medicine study by Mulvaney et al. specifically used “ultrasound-guided, bilateral stellate ganglion blocks” — imaging guidance is the current procedural standard and how the most rigorous published studies have been conducted. Dr. Ho uses nothing less. For patients who understand the difference between imaging-guided precision and landmark estimation, this isn’t a marketing detail — it’s the clinical standard that matters.
03
Whole-Person Approach
Trauma doesn’t arrive in isolation from the rest of a person’s life and career. From the first call, our team engages with the full clinical picture: your symptom profile, prior treatments, what’s worked partially and what hasn’t, and what recovery would actually mean for your specific situation. Treatment plans are built around that full picture and coordinated with your existing psychiatric, psychological, or VA care. What this means:
- Treatment shaped around your specific trauma history and symptom profile
- Active integration with existing care providers
- Clinical guidance on combining SGB with other Catalyst treatments for optimal outcomes
- Ongoing support extending well beyond the procedure itself
04
Extended Hours & Flexible Scheduling
Webster’s workforce doesn’t operate on 9-to-5 timelines — mission controllers and aerospace professionals maintain unusual hours, medical staff rotate through night shifts, and military veterans navigate VA appointment systems that often leave personal care slots scarce. Our 5am to 9pm hours, Monday through Sunday at all three Houston locations, solve that. Pre-dawn appointments, evening procedures, weekend sessions — 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 Webster
Webster’s “Gateway to the Future” tagline has always been more than marketing — it describes a community positioned on the edge of what comes next, attracting people who look forward rather than staying stuck. If PTSD, anxiety, or trauma has been keeping you stuck in the past physiologically — if your nervous system hasn’t received the signal that the future is genuinely available — SGB offers a direct biological route to that signal. The evidence supports it. The physician is qualified. The clinic is accessible.
Call (713) 772-5315 for your free consultation. We’ll engage with your clinical picture directly, answer every question honestly, and give you a clear assessment of whether SGB makes sense for your situation. No pressure, no charge, complete confidentiality.
Our South Loop and Heights locations are both accessible from Webster via the Beltway 8 and I-45.
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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