RecruitingNCT07473505

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.

Sponsor

Reset Medical and Wellness Center

Enrollment

75 participants

Start Date

Mar 20, 2026

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Traumatic Brain Injury Anxiety PTSD Moral Injury Trauma-related Mental Health Symptoms

Summary

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.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria5

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 Criteria6

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)

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Interventions

PROCEDUREstellate 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.