Anesthesia & Pain Research

Anesthesia & Pain Research

Open Access
ISSN: 2639-846X
Research Article

Cervical Sympathetic Blockade Produces a Significant Reduction in Suicidal Ideation in a PTSD Cohort: A Case Series of 254 Patients

Authors: Eugene Lipov, Hunter Rolain, Luke Lammers.

DOI: 10.33425/2639-846X.1093


Abstract

Background: Suicide is estimated to account for 1.4% of deaths worldwide, making it among one the leading causes of premature death. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) has been shown to reduce suicidal ideation in a single case report of a patient with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation.

Aims: To report a significant reduction of suicidal ideation using cervical sympathetic block (CSB), a more advanced version of SGB, in a cohort of patients with PTSD.

Methods: 254 patients were evaluated for suicidal ideation via pre- and post-suicide risk assessments by using the Depressive Symptom Index - Suicidality Subscale (DSI-SS) as part of a pre- and post-treatment clinical interview. Further included were other psychiatric measures. Patients received CSB as per clinic protocol.

Results: Overall, the patients had an average DSI-SS reduction of 43.8%, PCL-5 reduction of 31.7%, GAD-7 reduction of 22.5%, and PHQ-9 reduction of 35.5%, following CSB.

Limitations: Lack of control, given this is an open-labeled, case series study.

Conclusion: Cervical sympathetic block is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that may provide significant reduction in suicidal ideation as well as symptoms of PTSD.

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Citation: Eugene Lipov, Hunter Rolain,  Luke Lammers. Cervical Sympathetic Blockade Produces a Significant Reduction in Suicidal Ideation in a PTSD Cohort: A Case Series of 254 Patients. 2024; 8(3). DOI: 10.33425/2639-846X.1093
Editor-in-Chief
Kevin J. Sullivan
Kevin J. Sullivan
Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology and Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Medicine | University of Florida

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