Can a neck injection boost PTSD therapy? new trial aims to find out.

NCT ID NCT05889741

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a one-time injection of a local anesthetic into a nerve bundle in the neck (stellate ganglion block) can improve the effects of a type of talk therapy called prolonged exposure for PTSD. The trial involves 140 current or retired military members with PTSD. Half receive the real injection and half receive a placebo (saline) injection, both alongside ten 90-minute therapy sessions. The goal is to see if the combination leads to greater reductions in PTSD symptoms.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Ropivacaine injection (local anesthetic)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a way to boost the effects of talk therapy for PTSD, potentially reducing symptoms faster.
What could go wrong: This is an early Phase 2 trial with only 140 participants. The nerve block may not provide added benefit over the sham injection, and there are risks like injection site pain or temporary nerve issues.

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.

STRESS DISORDERS, POST-TRAUMATIC

Contacts and locations

Locations

Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
RECRUITING

Fort Hood, Texas, 76544, United States
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
RECRUITING

San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States

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