NCT07087015

Efficacy of Cervical Sympathetic Blocks for PTSD

Efficacy of Cervical Sympathetic Blocks for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: a Randomized Control Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Stanford University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-a condition that can profoundly disrupt daily life. Although treatments like therapy and medication help many, there is still a major need for more effective and faster-acting options. In recent studies, a procedure called cervical sympathetic block (CSB)-an injection near a nerve cluster in the neck-has shown promise in reducing PTSD symptoms, as measured by standardized tools like the CAPS (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale). In this study, the investigators will conduct a double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing CSB to a sham (placebo) injection in patients with PTSD. The investigators will assess changes in PTSD symptoms and also monitor physiological markers (like pupil response, temperature, and heart rate variability) to better understand how the treatment works and to improve the precision of future therapies.

Detailed description

The investigators aim to determine whether cervical sympathetic blocks (CSBs) can reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If effective, this approach could offer a rapid, legal, and scalable intervention for mental health conditions, in contrast with emerging psychedelic therapies. This research has the potential to transform treatment practices for PTSD and related disorders by providing a controlled, procedure-based option that modulates the autonomic nervous system. In addition to assessing symptom relief, the study will explore physiologic markers of sympathetic modulation, which may help identify objective indicators of treatment success. This could deepen our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying PTSD and mental health more broadly, with implications for neuroscience, psychology, and clinical care.

Conditions

• PTSD

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Cervical sympathetic nerve block	Patients will receive a CSB.
PROCEDURE	Subcutaneous sham injection	Patients will receive a subcutaneous sham injection of saline.
DRUG	Ropivacaine	The CSB group will receive ropivacaine 0.5% 10ml.
DRUG	Normal Saline	The control group will receive 3 ml of normal saline in the sham injection.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-10-01
• Primary completion: 2026-12-01
• Completion: 2026-12-01
• First posted: 2025-07-25
• Last updated: 2025-08-26