Stellate Ganglion Block For PTSD

Post-traumatic stress can keep the body running at full speed long after the immediate danger has passed. Dr. Eugene Lipov describes how Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) may calm that response and reduce symptoms such as sleep problems, anxiety, hypervigilance, and a persistent feeling of doom.

His interest in trauma treatment is deeply personal. His father lived with the effects of serving as a World War II pilot, and his mother later died by suicide after experiencing what he describes as secondary PTSD. That history shaped his work and his effort to have PTSD recognized as post-traumatic stress injury.

This episode explains how SGB is performed, why Dr. Lipov believes calming the nervous system can make therapy more productive, and how traumatic memories may remain while losing some of their emotional intensity. Scott also shares why he wants to remember the experiences that shaped him without allowing them to control his daily interactions.

Dr. Lipov discusses the origin of his book title The God Shot, the effects of trauma on spouses and children, realistic treatment limitations, potential side effects, and the importance of continued care. He also provides practical guidance for vetting SGB providers, evaluating procedure costs, and avoiding clinicians who use unsafe methods or pressure families into excessive payments.

Timestamps:

• 00:00:30 - The Family Trauma Behind His Work
• 00:01:37 - SGB For Post-Traumatic Stress
• 00:12:56 - How The God Shot Got Its Name
• 00:19:33 - When A Combat Memory Lost Its Color
• 00:28:02 - How To Vet An SGB Provider

Links & Resources

• Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1
• Website: https://www.dreugenelipov.com
• Stella Mental Health: https://stellamentalhealth.com
• The God Shot Book: https://driveonpodcast.com/recommends/the-god-shot/
• Follow Dr. Eugene Lipov on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dreugenelipov
• Its PTSI Website: https://itsptsi.com/