About six months ago, while pursuing ongoing research into how I could help patients even further with hormone therapy, I learned about a short, non-hormonal procedure with very little downtime. This procedure targets vasomotor symptoms (night sweats and hot flushes) of menopause and PTSI, among other diagnoses. (PTSI stands for post-traumatic stress injury—a better term than PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder, with less stigma.)
I was immediately intrigued and learned this procedure had been offered since the 1920s for pain management. The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) has a multitude of scientific research and studies behind it and has been taken even further in its profound applications and results. The SGB is offered in many major hospitals and covered by insurance for pain management only.
Fast forward and I’ve been fortunate to speak with leading physicians in the realms of interventional psychiatry. TheNPRD Podcast just finished a three-part series with Dr. Eugene Lipov, one of the founders of Stella Mental Health, as well as Chief Psychiatric Officer, Dr. Brian Boyle.
In our podcast recordings, we discuss the Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR) -a procedure Dr. Lipov has advanced significantly from its inception as the Stellate Ganglion Block – and TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, including the newer accelerated SAINT protocol with initial research from Stanford University.
For more detailed information on the Stellate Ganglion Block, Dr. Lipov’s advancement of this procedure into the Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Dr. Boyle, listen to these 20-30 minute recordings of TheNPRD Podcast. Pay special attention to the third recording to hear about potential patient trajectories, including the treatments discussed above as well as FDA-approved Spravato (esketamine) and IV ketamine. These treatments have provided incredible adjunctive care for so many patients.
As mentioned above, the SGB is currently covered by insurance in major hospitals for pain management. The SGB and DSR are available outpatient without insurance. Currently, a study is underway through NYU Langone Health for the SGB and we’re hopeful insurance will catch on to cover this procedure after further research is published. TMS is covered by many insurances and we’re optimistic the SAINT protocol and the shortened version of this treatment will also be covered by insurance though it is also available out of pocket.
When we care for patients facing multiple challenges across a variety of factors and diagnoses, we want to create an empathetic balance through a collaborative team approach with individualized care at the forefront—and we must always keep learning. If you know someone who could benefit, please share this information or one of the podcast recordings. I’ve included the podcast recordings below in order, though there’s no required listening sequence.
Thank you for reading and listening!