RCT for SGB: A Landmark Randomized Controlled Trial for PTSD
- Nov 6, 2019
- 2 min read
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard in medical research because they compare a treatment against a control while minimizing bias. For patients considering Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for PTSD, this landmark multicenter RCT provides some of the highest-quality evidence available.
Study Overview: RCT for SGB
Published in JAMA Psychiatry, this multisite, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial enrolled 113 active-duty service members with PTSD symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) or a sham (placebo) procedure. Those receiving SGB underwent two treatments, two weeks apart, with symptom improvement measured over an eight-week period using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5).
Key Findings
The study found that participants who received SGB experienced a significantly greater reduction in PTSD symptoms than those who received the sham procedure. Improvements were observed across overall PTSD severity, suggesting that cervical sympathetic blockade may help regulate the overactive fight-or-flight response seen in many individuals living with trauma.
Why This Study Matters
This RCT represented an important milestone because it was the first large, multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial to demonstrate a measurable benefit of SGB for PTSD. Its design helped move the conversation beyond early case reports and observational studies by providing higher-quality clinical evidence.
Limitations
Like all studies, this trial has limitations.
Participants were primarily active-duty military personnel, so results may not fully represent civilian populations.
Follow-up extended only eight weeks, limiting conclusions about long-term durability.
Although statistically significant, symptom improvement varied between individuals, meaning SGB should not be viewed as a standalone treatment for everyone.
Subsequent research has continued to investigate which patients benefit most, how long improvements last, and how SGB can best be integrated with trauma-focused therapies.
Clinical Perspective
At Reset Medical & Wellness Center, we view SGB as one component of comprehensive, trauma-informed care. While no single treatment is right for every patient, high-quality studies like this RCT provide encouraging evidence that regulating the sympathetic nervous system can reduce PTSD symptoms for appropriately selected individuals.
As research continues to evolve, we remain committed to practicing evidence-based medicine and helping patients understand both the strengths and limitations of emerging treatments.
Read the Full JAMA article below.
Michael J. Louwers, M.D.
Medical Director & CEO, Reset Medical & Wellness Center