Stellate Ganglion Block (SBG Block) is one of the latest methods of treating trichotillomania. It is based on the theory that the brain's wiring (the connections between brain cells) has a lot of power to control behavior. The treatment works by interrupting the power flow, and this allows the brain cells to regroup and reduce the "reward" the behavior gets from wanting to stop compulsive behavior. For many, this has proved to be an extremely effective method, with reports showing improvement in several cases. But STG Block is only one of the many available options.
The most widely reported benefit is seen in children. Children as young as four have been reported to gain significant relief from obsessive-compulsive disorder by using stellate ganglion block. The adjusted mean difference was 12.6 on the adults receiving stellate ganglion block, as opposed to 6.1 on those getting sham treatments, a relatively small difference. This means that in these cases, the treatment worked as it was supposed to. Using a local anesthetic, a local anesthetic with sedation, and taking adequate sleep, the benefits are noteworthy.
The problem is that adults who have severe symptoms still require treatment. In these cases, the most effective approach is using the standard numbing agent, such as Zoloft (Sertraline). While the short-term effects of this medication are often positive, the patient may not feel any effect from the anesthetic itself, which means a more difficult treatment is required. In addition, there is the possibility that the treatment will fail if the patient's response to the anesthetic is not strong enough. While some people may respond well to numbing agents, others may not.
What is more promising is that recent studies indicate that stellate ganglion block has positive psychological benefits, particularly when combined with neuroleptic drugs (antipsychotics), which are often prescribed for mental health conditions. Unfortunately, even when given the best possible care, medications are only effective to a point.
Once the dose is stopped, the insufficiency continues or the patient becomes dependent. Until recently, there was no way to prevent this type of dependency once the treatment had been started. However, there are now several alternative procedures that use alternative methods, such as light stimulation and localized electrical currents to reduce the insufficiency and discomfort that occur as a result of this disorder.
The reason why SGB treatment is so useful is that it causes a dramatic change in the function of the sympathetic nervous system, which is the part of the nervous system that produces the fight or flight response when confronted with physical or psychological stress. With the blocking of the sympathetic nervous system, the body will no longer respond to stress by releasing hormones such as cortisol, nor will it firefight or protect.
Instead, the brain signals the brain stem to stop the production of neuropeptides, which are responsible for calming and regulating the sympathetic nervous system. With the treatment, the neuropathic pain produced by neuropathic pain syndrome will be relieved and the patient will feel relief from the discomfort and pain of his condition.
Stellate ganglion block can be performed with sedation, which allows the doctor to perform the procedure without the risk of complications or the need for general anesthesia, or can be performed in an outpatient setting. Anesthetic drops are placed in the nose, which is then absorbed by the body. After the procedure, patients are allowed to drive home.
Because it is a topical procedure, postoperative nausea and vomiting are usually mild. As with any procedure involving the nerve, postoperative sedation is contraindicated. Other than that, there are few risks, and stellate ganglion block may help eliminate critical complications. Check out this post for more details related to this article: https://www.britannica.com/science/ganglion
