Could a nerve block or ketamine ease PTSD and headaches after brain injury?

NCT ID NCT06608277

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Northwestern University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a nerve block (stellate ganglion block) or the drug ketamine, alone or together, can reduce headaches and PTSD symptoms in people who have had a traumatic brain injury. About 175 adults will receive one of four treatments, including sham procedures, to see which works best. The goal is to find a safe, effective way to improve quality of life for those with these common post-injury conditions.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: ketamine
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a new, effective treatment option for people suffering from both TBI-related headaches and PTSD.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-stage trial with 175 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatments involve procedures and medications that carry risks like side effects or discomfort.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Post-Traumatic Headache post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

POSTTRAUMATIC HEADACHE POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Anesthesiology Pain Medicine Center
RECRUITING

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20889, United States
Womack Army Medical Center
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 28310, United States

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