Integrative Bilateral Cervical Sympathetic Blocks for Trauma-Related Symptoms in Special Operations Veterans: A Prospective Case Series.
Reset Medical and Wellness Center
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.
Description
This study is a prospective, observational case series designed to evaluate the clinical effects of integrative bilateral cervical sympathetic blocks (BCSB) on trauma-related symptoms in Special Operations Forces (SOF) veterans. The study is conducted through a collaboration between RESET Medical and Wellness Center, a clinical medical practice providing BCSB as part of routine care, and the Operator Relief Fund (ORF), a nonprofit organization that supports SOF veterans seeking treatment for posttraumatic stress and related symptoms. Participants are adult Special Operations veterans who inde…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 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 Criteria: * 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 clin…
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.
Location
- Reset Medical and Wellness CenterStrongsville, Ohio