Dual Sympathetic Reset: Relieve PTSD, Anxiety, Irritability

Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR) is an advanced Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) technique that can "reset" your nervous system. Learn how DSR can help relieve your symptoms of PTSD and anxiety.

What is the Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR)?

DSR is the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) performed at two parts of your neck, typically using ultrasound guidance. That's where the name "dual" comes from. The Stellate Ganglion is the bundle of nerves ("ganglion") in your neck that controls your "fight-flight" response. When these nerves are numbed, they don't activate your fear and anxiety response as strongly.

Numbing medication, similar to what's used at a dental office, is used to numb the SGB. Sometimes the nerves are heated so they stay inactivated for longer periods of time, thereby prolonging symptom relief. The C4 and C6 levels of the Stellate Ganglion are numbed with the DSR. The procedure is typically started on the right side of the body, then sometimes repeated on the left side of the body. This is because some patients respond to a left-sided SGB better than a right-sided SGB.

DSR Relieves Many PTSD and Anxiety-Related Symptoms

The fight-flight response in our body (controlled by the sympathetic nervous system) controls many of the harmful symptoms of PTSD. When we numb the sympathetic nervous system, we can provide relief to numerous symptoms, including:

• PTSD: hypervigilance, hyperarousal
• Anxiety
• Neurocognitive performance
• Other trauma-related symptoms: irritability or angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbance, feeling distant or cut off, emotionally numb

DSR is Augmented with IV Ketamine Therapy

DSR allows for experiencing past traumas without being "taken hostage" by your nervous system. When combined with IV Ketamine Therapy, patients can find long-lasting relief by addressing the root cause of their PTSD and anxiety. IV Ketamine allows for a profound understanding of the roots of our physical and psychological traumas. The relief provided by DSR potentiates this process to provide sustained healing.

Traumatic Experiences Wind-Up Your Nervous System

Traumas, especially in childhood, can wind-up your body for decades to come. This can keep you on "high alert" for extended periods of time and cause severe exhaustion. Specifically, these traumas can wind-up your sympathetic nervous system. This can result in inflammation, neurocognitive decline, heart disease, psychiatric illness, and other conditions.

DSR's ability to selectively numb the nerves "wound-up" by past traumas is a powerful tool for healing from them. The relief from PTSD symptoms allows for healing without being "stuck" in the cycles of fear and hypervigilance.

What are the Side Effects of DSR?

Numbing, or blocking, the Stellate Ganglion has several short-lived side effects, including:

• Nasal stuffiness
• Droopy eyelid
• Hand/arm warmth
• Constricted pupil
• Hoarse voice
• "Lump in your throat" sensation

These side effects are markers of a successful SGB. These symptoms last several hours. The PTSD-relieving effects of the DSR last much longer, typically weeks to months.

Harmful side effects of SGB are rare, and your doctor will discuss them with you.

Find Relief from PTSD and Anxiety

Your comfort with your doctor plays a tremendous role in your healing. You deserve to find your healing potential. Schedule a free consultation with Clarus Health to learn if DSR and IV Ketamine Therapy is right for you.