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RECRUITINGOBSERVATIONAL

Integrative Bilateral Cervical Sympathetic Blocks for Trauma-Related Symptoms in Special Operations Veterans: A Prospective Case Series

Integrative Bilateral Cervical Sympathetic Blocks for Trauma-Related Symptoms in Special Operations Veterans: A Prospective Case Series.

Important: This information is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.

About This Trial

This study prospectively evaluates the effects of Integrative Bilateral Cervical Sympathetic Block (BCSB) on trauma-related symptoms in Special Operations Veterans, comparing outcomes in those receiving BCSB alone versus BCSB combined with structured integrative therapy. Using standardized FDA-approved dosing, validated symptom measures, and strict safety criteria, the study aims to determine whether this dual-level autonomic intervention improves PTSD-related and TBI-related symptoms, and whether pairing the procedure with therapy enhances durability and overall clinical benefit.

Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)

Who May Qualify: - 18 years or older - PTSD (PCL Score of 33 or greater at baseline screening) - Willing and able to provide willing to sign a consent form and complete study procedures - Fluent in English - Special Operations Forces Veteran Who Should NOT Join This Trial: - Recent Sympathetic Block: Receipt of any cervical sympathetic block (including stellate ganglion block \[SGB\], dual sympathetic ganglion block \[DSGB\], or bilateral SGB/BCSB), whether unilateral or bilateral, within the past 6 months. - Concurrent interventional clinical trial participation: Currently enrolled in another interventional clinical trial or receiving any experimental treatment targeting PTSD, TBI, or autonomic dysfunction during the study period - Acute Psychiatric Instability: Currently experiencing acute psychiatric crisis requiring inpatient care, active suicidal or homicidal intent, or untreated mania, psychosis, or severe dissociation - Medical Contraindications to BCSB: Any known anatomical abnormalities, bleeding disorders, allergy to local anesthetics, pregnancy, or comorbidities that represent a contraindication to receiving a cervical sympathetic block, per the treating physician's judgment. - Language or communication barriers: Inability to read, speak, or understand English sufficiently to complete willing to sign a consent form and study assessments - Low PTSD Symptom Severity at Baseline: PCL-5 Score \< 33 at screening, indicating subclinical or minimal PTSD symptoms (Rationale: to ensure measurable clinical benefit and reduce floor effects) Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.

Original Eligibility Criteria

View original clinical language
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years or older * PTSD (PCL Score of 33 or greater at baseline screening) * Willing and able to provide informed consent and complete study procedures * Fluent in English * Special Operations Forces Veteran Exclusion Criteria: * Recent Sympathetic Block: Receipt of any cervical sympathetic block (including stellate ganglion block \[SGB\], dual sympathetic ganglion block \[DSGB\], or bilateral SGB/BCSB), whether unilateral or bilateral, within the past 6 months. * Concurrent interventional clinical trial participation: Currently enrolled in another interventional clinical trial or receiving any experimental treatment targeting PTSD, TBI, or autonomic dysfunction during the study period * Acute Psychiatric Instability: Currently experiencing acute psychiatric crisis requiring inpatient care, active suicidal or homicidal intent, or untreated mania, psychosis, or severe dissociation * Medical Contraindications to BCSB: Any known anatomical abnormalities, bleeding disorders, allergy to local anesthetics, pregnancy, or comorbidities that represent a contraindication to receiving a cervical sympathetic block, per the treating physician's judgment. * Language or communication barriers: Inability to read, speak, or understand English sufficiently to complete informed consent and study assessments * Low PTSD Symptom Severity at Baseline: PCL-5 Score \< 33 at screening, indicating subclinical or minimal PTSD symptoms (Rationale: to ensure measurable clinical benefit and reduce floor effects)

Treatments Being Tested

PROCEDURE

stellate ganglion block with 0.5% ropivacaine

This study is distinct because it evaluates an integrative, dual-level bilateral cervical sympathetic block (BCSB), a more comprehensive autonomic intervention than the traditional unilateral SGB, specifically in Special Operations Veterans, a uniquely high-trauma, high-TBI population rarely studied. It is also the first to directly compare BCSB alone versus BCSB combined with structured integrative psychological therapy, using a prospective design with validated outcome measures, strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, and standardized FDA-approved dosing. By incorporating TBI-specific symptom tracking and applying IND-level rigor in a specialized trauma-informed clinical setting, this study fills critical gaps left by prior SGB research and offers a clearer understanding of who benefits most and why.

Locations (1)

Reset Medical and Wellness Center
Strongsville, Ohio, United States