STELLATE GANGLION BLOCK IN NEW YORK CITY

This procedure involves injecting a long-acting anesthetic into a bundle of nerves in the neck called the stellate ganglion. These nerves control the sympathetic nervous system (the "fight or flight" response). By temporarily numbing these nerves, SGB helps reset the system to its baseline, alleviating the physical symptoms of chronic stress, trauma, and nerve pain.

Candidates include individuals struggling with treatment-resistant PTSD, severe anxiety, Long COVID (specifically loss of taste/smell or parosmia), Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), or extreme hot flashes. A consultation with Dr. Phillip Kuan will determine if SGB is the right path for your wellness journey.

The treatment is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. Using high-resolution ultrasound guidance for maximum precision, Dr. Kuan injects a local anesthetic around the stellate ganglion nerves. The process involves no incisions and is typically performed with the patient awake and comfortable.

Benefits often include a rapid reduction in anxiety and panic attacks, improved sleep quality, relief from chronic nerve pain, and a restored sense of calm. It offers a unique physiological "reset" that talk therapy and medication alone often cannot achieve.

Yes, the treatment is safe. Performed by Dr. Phillip Kuan, a skilled specialist at New Look New Life, SGB has been used for decades in pain management and is widely recognized for its safety profile. Common, temporary side effects may include a drooping eyelid or red eye (Horner’s Syndrome), which indicates the block was successful and typically resolves within a few hours.

The injection process itself is very quick, typically taking less than 15 to 30 minutes. However, patients should plan to stay for a short observation period afterward to ensure their comfort and safety.

Many patients report feeling a sense of calm or "lightness" almost immediately after the procedure (within 30 minutes). Improvements in sleep, anxiety, and pain levels are often noticed the same day or within the first week following treatment.

While SGB is FDA-approved for pain, its use for PTSD and anxiety is often considered "off-label" or elective by insurance companies and may not be covered. However, our practice provides interest-free payment plans to assist patients in managing the cost of this life-changing treatment.

Our specialized SGB treatment is competitively priced for a boutique NYC practice, with pricing starting at $2,000.00 per side. (Please contact our office to learn about our interest-free payment plans and package options).