Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block

Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Treatment

Indications - Atypical facial pain, resistant Migraine, chronic Headache, post surgical facial pain, Herpes zoster ophthalmicus, Pain from cancer of floor of the mouth

The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a large group of nerves (Largest outside cranial cavity). It is located deep in pterigopalatine fossa, behind the root of the nose. It is an autonomic ganglion.The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) has sympathetic, parasympathetic and some sensory components.

It is responsible for the nerve supply to the lacrimal gland, paranasal sinuses, glands of the mucosa of the nasal cavity / pharynx, the gingiva, and the mucous membrane and glands of the hard palate. It is not involved in feeling or movement.

The SPG may be affected by trauma, infection or other causes, the sympathetic activity can cause pain. By blocking the sympathetic activity of SPG can stop pain in such cases.

There is huge scientific evidence for the use of SPG block for the treatment of cluster headache, chronic resistant migraine and other types of headaches.

More and more evidences are coming up for Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Technique

The Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Procedure

In this procedure, the patient is lying supine. Under fluoroscopic guidance under local anesthesia the needle is directed towards pterigopalatine fossa. Local anesthetic is injected in the fossa after appropriate placement of the tip of the needle. Post injection if SPG is the cause of pain, pain will be relieved. This diagnostic information is used to perform RF ablation (If test is positive for pain relief)