Desert Ketamine Clinic offers sympathetic nerve blocks like the Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SPGB) and the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) that have been shown to help those suffering from chronic pain as well as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. These blocks act to break the cycle of sympathetic nerve stimulation that may underlie certain types of chronic pain syndromes as well as anxiety, PTSD, and even depression.
These blocks are administered in the office directly by Dr. Munk. Easy to perform and quick to work, some patients may benefit from this treatment modality.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SPGB). This block is performed in the supine position with a cotton tipped applicator and local anesthetic. The cotton tipped swab is soaked with a local anesthetic and passed through the nose to the back of the nasal cavity where it rests upon the tissues just anterior to the Sphenopatine Nerve Ganglion. After administration to both sides of the nose, the patient remains in the supine position for 20 minutes to maximize delivery of local anesthetic to the nerve. Patients can be taught how to administer same block for home use.
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). This block is performed in the supine position with insertion of a small sterile needle via ultrasound guidance to the Stellate Nerve Ganglion. This ganglion is found low on the side of the neck. Minimal discomfort is appreciated by patient and it takes only a few minutes to perform. Only one side is treated.