Question 329 of 433
What about a nerve block for trauma, and home brain-stimulation headsets?
The short answer
Both have one good trial behind them for a specific condition. Neither is for general use.
A stellate ganglion block is an injection of local anesthetic beside a nerve bundle in the neck. In a trial of 108 active-duty service members with post-traumatic stress, two injections improved symptoms about twice as much as a sham. It is promising and still being studied.
In late 2025 the FDA approved the first home headset that passes a weak electrical current through the scalp for moderate to severe depression, by prescription. Other headsets sold for focus and performance have inconsistent evidence.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
SMALL HUMAN TRIALS / DEVICE AUTHORIZATION — Specific PTSD or depression settings; no general wellness indication.Evidence grade (draft mapping)BLimited or small human studiesPart 22, Q329 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.