(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Chicago aldermen on Friday heard sometimes emotional testimony about a new treatment that could help police officers and other first-responders coping with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41st), a former police officer and ex-firefighter, called for the hearing on “alternate and innovative treatments” that include Stellate Ganglion Block and Ketamine infusion.
Dr. Eugene Lipov said Stellate Ganglion Block – injecting anesthetic medication in certain nerves in the neck -- can have a calming effect.
He advocates for more national research on the treatment. Some consider it promising, though studies offer conflicting conclusions about SGB as a PTSD treatment.
“It changed my life,” said Police Sgt. Michael Leverett, who received the injection.
SGB is expensive: upwards of $1,500 to $2,000 a shot.
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