OU Doctor Testing New Approach To PTSD Treatment

A local doctor has a new approach to treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and wants to bring it to Oklahoma City.

However, recruiting patients will be needed to study the procedure the further.

The procedure is called stellate ganglion block. It is the injection of local anesthesia into the neck, which blocks certain sympathetic nerves.

Dr. Joyree Subramanian of OU Medicine said the procedure takes 10 to 30 minutes and reduces anxiety and bad memories.

“After the procedure, typically the patients would be free of anxiety, they may be free of some of their stressful symptoms of bad dreams and they may not require any of the anxiety or pain medications that they been taking and some of them have been taking it long-term,” Dr. Subramanian said.

According to research, military patients with PTSD treated with this new procedure saw a 70 percent success-rate.

While other more recent studies published from the V-A have shown less success.

But according to Dr. Subramanian, the newest study may not be controlled enough and more research is needed with better a follow-up.

She said if you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD -- you should be aware of all the options and opportunities for treatment.

Dr. Subramanian said she is hoping to find willing patients who qualify for this procedure.