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The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is a medical procedure for managing pain-related conditions and certain neurological disorders. It involves the injection of local anesthetics, such as Lidocaine and Ropivacaine, into the stellate ganglion, a cluster of nerve cells located in the neck on either side of the voice box (larynx), at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. Two nerve blocks are used, one at the C6 and the second at the C4.
Indications:
• SGB is commonly used to treat the upper extremities’ complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
• It can also be considered in managing neuropathic pain, vasospastic disorders, and conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How it Works:
• During the procedure, a trained medical professional typically uses ultrasound to locate the stellate ganglion accurately.
• A local anesthetic is injected into this nerve cluster.
• The medication temporarily blocks or modulates the nerve signals in the region, which can help reduce pain and improve blood flow.
Procedure Details:
• The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
• You may be asked to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about any allergies or medical conditions you have.
Effectiveness:
• The effectiveness of SGB can vary from person to person. Some individuals experience significant mental health and pain relief, while others may have more modest results.
• It is often combined with other treatments and therapies, depending on the underlying condition.
Post-Procedure Care:
• You might experience temporary numbness or weakness in the upper extremity on the side where the block was administered.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for post-procedure care, which may include restrictions on certain activities.
Seek Medical Advice:
• If you are considering a Stellate Ganglion Block, it is essential to consult a qualified medical provider.
• Discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment options thoroughly with your healthcare professional.
According to Dr. Raul Cruz, Medical Director at the Miami and West Palm Beach locations: “The SGB procedure has really been a game changer for our patients at KHC. It is a highly effective, safe, quick, and fast-acting procedure used synergistically with our ketamine infusions to provide a robust Body (SGB) and Mind (Infusions) solution to PTSD symptoms, where other modalities may only scratch the surface. It will take an overactive fight or flight response that has become deranged and normalize it in minutes and hours, providing relief for months. There is nothing else that comes close to its speed and effectiveness.”
The Administration of Ketamine Infusions
Ketamine infusions are administered in a controlled medical setting to ensure patient safety and optimize therapeutic outcomes. The dosage, frequency, and duration of ketamine therapy vary based on the specific condition being treated, the individual’s response, and the healthcare provider’s recommendations. Patients typically remain awake as they receive the medication intravenously (IV).
Ketamine infusions have transcended their role as an anesthetic agent, offering newfound hope and healing for individuals battling treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions and chronic pain disorders.
Their rapid onset of action and efficacy have revolutionized treatment approaches, especially for those who have exhausted conventional therapies.
Begin Your Recovery Journey Today!
In addition to ketamine infusion therapy, our centers have multiple treatment options designed to help you regain control and start living again. Considering your health, our practical and minimally invasive therapies are available for various conditions.
Check out our YouTube channel to see what we have to offer and how we can help you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmTvhURAuzIs
*Ketamine Health Centers is affiliated with Irwin Naturals Emergence as a mental health and chronic pain provider. We are collaborating with the nutritional supplements company to address the mind-gut connection.
At Ketamine Health Centers, our goal is for our patients to succeed. We want you to be happy and healthy. Our mission is to help depression, fibromyalgia, and post-traumatic stress disorder sufferers, as well as recovering substance abusers, to regain balance in their lives.
With years of medical experience, knowledge, and prior ketamine application, our team of qualified medical experts can provide patients with life-changing, holistic treatments.
Dale Alice Block, LMFT
Dale Alice Block, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Director of Ketamine Health Centers
After graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a masters in MFT, Ms. Block completed three years of post-graduate study in clinical supervision and management, culminating in the AAMFT Qualified Supervisor designation. Her clinical experience and supervision of other professionals spans 30+ years. She has established and supervised multiple programs, both inpatient and outpatient, including trauma focused care programs, addiction facilities, loss and bereavement programs, neurodiverse support programming, spiritual healing programs, general counseling and currently all clinical aspects of the counseling and alternative services at Ketamine Health Centers across the state.
Raul Cruz, MD, Medical Director
Dr. Cruz is a Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and has been a licensed, practicing anesthesiologist for 15 years. Dr. Cruz has had extensive experience in both the academic and private practice settings including teaching, operating room and practice management, and direct patient care.
Dr. Cruz has been involved in the full spectrum of anesthesia practice ranging from procedural medicine and all the surgical sub-specialties, including level 1 Trauma and Burn surgery; as well as anesthetic management in Obstetrics and Psychiatry. During his 15 years in practice, Dr. Cruz has developed an expert knowledge in the use of and delivery of IV ketamine to treat burn patients, as well as those with acute and postoperative pain. He has had success treating patients with comorbid depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD using ketamine infusions in the hospital setting, while also using it as an anesthetic, an analgesic, and as a sedative.
239-387-3496
www.ketaminehealthcenters.com
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BONITA SPRINGS
26800 S. Tamiami Trail
Suite 310
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
MIAMI
9408 SW 87th Ave.
Suite 302
Miami, FL 33176
ORLANDO
616 E. Altamonte Dr.
Suite 206
Altamonte, FL 32701
WEST PALM BEACH
1411 N. Flagler Dr.
Suite 9300B
West Palm Beach, FL
