Neuro Sympathetic Reset

People exposed to chronic stressors or significant trauma often form unhealthy connections in the brain, which contribute to anxiety, depression, or PTSD. The sympathetic nervous system—our “fight or flight” response—often overreacts and contributes to these unhealthy connections. Our procedure, termed the “neuro-sympathetic reset,” temporarily blocks a part of our sympathetic system. This block can help to facilitate healing and allow a functional “reset” of our nervous system back to baseline. This allows the brain to form healthy connections, restores the body's natural balance, and improves symptoms.

No referral is needed; just complete our free online mental health assessment.

Certain medications, including blood thinners and specific supplements, may need to be paused as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Our medical staff will review this with you before the procedure, and we will consult with your doctor to obtain permission to hold these medications if necessary.

The procedure is quick and generally well-tolerated. A local anesthetic (lidocaine) is used to numb the skin beforehand. You will need to lie flat on your back for about 15 minutes. Most patients report minimal discomfort and only experience temporary side effects.

We use a long-acting anesthetic called Ropivacaine to block the cervical sympathetic nerves. Similar to lidocaine or Novocaine, Ropivacaine is a numbing agent commonly used for various types of anesthesia. Ropivacaine typically lasts about 8-12 hours. While the block is temporary, its benefits can last for months or even years, promoting healthy neural connections in your brain.

You will need a driver to and from the procedure, as driving is restricted on the day of the procedure. We recommend taking it easy on the day of the procedure as well. Everyone responds differently, but many take a nap after the procedure. The following day, you can resume your usual activity without restriction.

The cervical sympathetic block, also known as the 'stellate block,' has been used for over 100 years to treat pain and is FDA-approved for specific pain conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). While using it for other conditions like mental health issues, long COVID symptoms, or non-pain conditions is considered off-label, numerous studies have demonstrated significant benefits, particularly for anxiety disorders such as PTSD. With an increasing number of studies supporting its efficacy for various non-pain conditions each year, we aim to be at the forefront of mental health treatment in this country. We offer this procedure as a safe and effective adjunct to conventional treatments for these other conditions.

As with any procedure, risks and benefits are involved, though the risks are minimal. Expected effects after the procedure include local or regional numbness in the neck or arm, nasal congestion, drooping eyelid (Horner’s syndrome), and hoarseness. Those effects are temporary for 8-12 hours until the anesthetic wears off. The site may be sore after the procedure, and we may recommend using ice or Tylenol for relief. We use ultrasound to precisely target the area to ensure the best outcome with the lowest risk. Severe complications such as bleeding, infection, nerve injury, or seizures are exceedingly rare.

Each patient experiences the procedure differently, with varying effects. Many patients have seen remarkable symptom relief lasting from months to years. Evidence indicates that those with moderate to severe conditions, particularly anxiety and PTSD, benefit the most. Additionally, this procedure has shown promising benefits for treating depression, ADHD, long COVID symptoms, and menopausal hot flashes. A comprehensive list of resources and evidence can be found on our News and Resources page.

Based on your case, treatment and results may vary. Some patients for specific conditions need only a single treatment. Other cases, mainly those such as first responders who are continually exposed to ongoing trauma, may require additional treatments. That is why we offer a discount to all our military veterans, first responders, and their immediate family members.

Yes, you will need a driver on the day of your procedure.

Yes, we can provide a list of providers in the area.

A ganglion is a bundle of nerves functioning like a relay station within the nervous system. Numerous ganglia exist throughout the body, with the stellate ganglion being one of several in the neck. In approximately 80% of individuals, two smaller ganglia merge to create the larger stellate ganglion. In the remaining 20%, these ganglia remain separate but are only slightly apart. A conventional stellate ganglion block specifically targets the most common locations of the stellate ganglion around the lower cervical spine. Due to the volume of fluid typically injected, the medication can disseminate to neighboring areas, treating all anatomical variants. Moreover, our modified method, the NSR, which targets both C4 and C6, encompasses an even more comprehensive section along the sympathetic chain, ensuring complete blockage of the sympathetic system. Research shows that employing ultrasound while broadening the target area enhances the procedure's safety and effectiveness. Consequently, regardless of your anatomical variant, our NSR treatment yields consistent outcomes.