Can a neck injection quiet the Brain's fear response in PTSD?

NCT ID NCT05391971

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: NYU Langone Health Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether injecting an anesthetic near certain neck nerves (stellate ganglion block) can reduce PTSD symptoms by calming overactive stress responses. About 79 adults with chronic PTSD will receive either the anesthetic or a placebo (saline) injection. Researchers will measure changes in brain activity and skin sweat responses before and after the procedure.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: bupivacaine (anesthetic)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, non-drug option to ease PTSD symptoms by temporarily calming the body's stress alarm system.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with only 79 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be short-lived or no better than a placebo injection.

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 stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

NYU Langone Health

New York, New York, 10016, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.