Neurocognitive Performance is Not Degraded After Stellate Ganglion Block Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series. Issue 5 (1st May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mulvaney, Sean W.; Lynch, James H.; de Leeuw, Jason; Schroeder, Matthew; Kane, Shawn
• Is Part Of: Military medicine. Volume 180:Issue 5(2015)
• Page Start: e601
• Page End: e604
• Publication Date: 2015-05-01
• Subjects: Surgery, Military -- Societies, etc; Medicine, Military -- Societies, etc; Medicine, Military -- Periodicals; Surgery, Military -- Periodicals; Medicine, Military; Surgery, Military; Military Medicine -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.98023
• DOI: 10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00504
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0026-4075

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective: To measure key neurocognitive performance effects following stellate ganglion block (SGB) administered to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Methods: Eleven patients diagnosed, screened, and scheduled for SGB to treat their PTSD symptoms were administered a panel of eight cognitive measures before and 1 to 3 weeks after undergoing this procedure. PTSD symptoms were evaluated using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist—Military. Results: One to three weeks post-SGB, none of the patients showed any statistically significant decline in neurocognitive performance. Rather, there was a clear trend in improvement, with four out of eight measures reaching statistical significance following SGB. All patients improved in PTSD symptoms with a mean improvement on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist—Military of 29. Conclusion: In this case series of 11 patients, SGB effectively treated PTSD symptoms and did not impair reaction time, memory, or concentration. Therefore, SGB should be considered as a viable treatment option for personnel with PTSD symptoms who will be placed in demanding conditions such as combat.