Heal

A Better Health Program to Combat PTS

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Multilevel sympathetic chain blockade for treatment of PTS

Our primary goal is to help veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress absolve or reduce their symptoms to increase daily functioning and improve overall quality of life. The focus is to combine the utilization of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) with traditional therapies, by clinical therapists with expertise in trauma and veteran treatment to achieve long-term resolution of post-trauma symptoms. 

I cannot thank AVA enough! I was digressing and slowly falling back into some of my old "bad habits" of fighting with PTS symptoms that were debilitating. AVA didn't hesitate after I went to them! In just a few days after they reviewed my case, I was being prepped and completed my second SGB injection and hopefully my last, but I will take it again if I feel myself falling back into that hole!
Brandon V.
Veteran / Heal SGB Program Participant
 

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance is to introduce a formalized treatment protocol for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) in veterans in Louisiana.

The main focus of treatment is the utilization of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) which has demonstrated repetitive, anecdotal, clinical success in various patients over the last several years.

The goal is to demonstrate clinical validity over time thus increasing funding and accessibility to additional veterans in Louisiana and surrounding states. 

 

ELIGIBILITY

Veterans, reservists, and active-duty US military who meet diagnostic criteria of Post-Traumatic Stress, as diagnosed by a clinical therapist or contracted psychiatric practitioner via the Acadiana Veteran Alliance will be considered for the treatment.

Additionally, active substance abuse and/or medical complications that can interfere with treatment would need to be ruled out.

Candidates must be deemed psychologically fit for treatment per clinical therapists.

Candidates must also be deemed medically fit by the medical director.

Participants must provide written and verbal consent for treatment and agree to all treatment recommendations by medical director(s) and clinical therapist(s). 

 
 

TEAM

Robyn Sonnier

Robyn Sonnier,
M.A., LPC, NCC, CCTP
Clinical Director

Robyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with specialized training and certifications for working with veterans. She has a passion for helping veterans overcome obstacles impacting daily life.

thomas bond

Thomas K. Bond,
M.D., M.S.
Medical Director

Dr. Bond has an experienced background in administering SGB injections successfully.  He's trained extensively with Dr. Sean Mulvaney, one of the leaders in treating PTSD in veterans with SGB, and is a world-renowned expert in Interventional Regenerative Orthopedic procedures.

madison nyquist

Madison Nyquist
Development Director

Currently the Business Development Director for River Oaks Hospital, a New Orleans-based facility that has provided quality treatment to individuals suffering from mental illness since 1970. Skilled in Networking, Leadership, Social Media, Community Outreach, and Program Development. 

 

Treatment Logistics

 

SGB

The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) injection involves a commonly used anesthesia that is injected into nerves above the neck, right above the collarbone. It serves to “soothe” or “reset” the sympathetic nervous system, which is shown to be overactive in individuals with PTS, resulting in relief in a matter of minutes.

The SGB injection is an outpatient procedure that takes roughly twenty (20) minutes. 

The Stella group in Chicago, IL has demonstrated an 80% improvement rate for patients with symptoms of PTS with an 85% success rate specifically for combat/warfare experience. Their data is the result of a sample of 327 patients treated between December 2016 and February 2020 with data reviewed by the International Review Board (IRB). 

 

Efficacy and Results Measurement

According to the National Center for PTSD, a minimum of a five (5) point reduction in the PCL-M score demonstrates a patient’s response to treatment.

Additionally, a ten (10) point reduction is the minimum threshold for determining whether the improvement is clinically meaningful.

The goal of the AVA Heal program is to demonstrate a ten (10) point or greater reduction in PCL-M scores to demonstrate efficacy of treatment in veterans with PTS.

 

If you have any questions, let's talk.

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