Understanding the Stellate Ganglion Block with John Vogel DO

Stellate Ganglion Block for PTSD

Individuals may develop PTSD (also called Post Traumatic Stress Injury) from a single or repeated traumatic events. When trauma causes a persistent injury pattern to the nervous system, it can become locked into a permanent protective mode, even in the absence of on-going threat. This can cause a variety of symptoms including:

• Being "on-guard" all the time
• Constant anxiety and fear
• Intolerance of being around groups of people
• Nightmares
• Isolation from others physically and emotionally
• Difficulty progressing in therapy because talking about the trauma makes you too anxious

What is a stellate ganglion block?
The sympathetic nervous system (the "fight or flight" part of the nervous system) is organized in front of the spinal column. Along the spine there are nerve bundles referred to as ganglion. Several ganglia are located in the neck, including one in the lower neck called the stellate ganglion. These nerves are special for their connection to brain regions which store and control emotional memories. Injection of local anesthetic around these nerve bundles interrupts the nervous system's constant exaggerated response to emotional trauma. You can think of it like rebooting your computer.

How is a stellate ganglion block done?
For decades, the procedure was done by feeling for a particular bone in the front of the spine, pushing the carotid artery toward the middle with one hand, and inserting a needle until it contacted bone prior to injection. Later, the procedure was improved by the use of x-ray to verify the correct level of the spine. However, use of x-ray does not allow visualization of important nerves and arteries in the neck.

Ultrasound imaging and needle guidance is the gold standard for accuracy and safety, and the only technique Dr. Vogel has used over the last 7 years. The procedure is 1-2 minimally painful injections done in an outpatient setting that takes about 15 minutes.

Dr. John Vogel, DO

Dr. John Vogel is an independent pain specialist providing personalized treatment for a wide spectrum of pain conditions. He completed his pain fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center and his residency at Emory University. Dr. Vogel is board-certified in pain medicine, headache medicine and family medicine.

Dr. Vogel served in the Army Medical Department for 39 years. Upon retirement, he established a private direct pay practice in Marietta, GA. He provides the expertise, time and education needed for comprehensive individualized care. He offers the most recent advances in pain management, tailored to each person's concerns and goals. Dr. Vogel collaborates with other medical professionals to achieve multidisciplinary care.

Dr. Vogel sees patients by medical professional referral or self-referral. He does not prescribe chronic opiate (DEA schedule II) medications

Dr. Vogel's information 
https://www.drjohnvogel.com/

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