Headaches
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Migraine
2:04
2. Tension Headache
1:50
3. Cluster Headache
1:53
4. Occipital Neuralgia
2:02
5. Trigeminal Neuralgia
1:35
6. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
4. Acupuncture
2:13
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Botox (Migraines/Dystonia)
2:07
3. Sphenopalatine Block
1:47
6. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
3. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
4. Laser Therapy
2:05
5. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Sphenopalatine Block
1746881886
A sphenopalatine block is a treatment used to help with severe headaches and facial pain by targeting a bundle of nerves called the sphenopalatine ganglion, located deep behind your nose. This group of nerves sends pain signals to your head and face. By blocking these signals with a quick procedure, we can provide you with significant pain relief.
There are two main ways we can perform this procedure. The first method involves using a cotton swab soaked in a numbing medication that we gently place up your nose to reach the nerve area. The second method is more precise, using a small needle placed through your cheek bone area, guided by X-ray to inject the medicine. Both methods are safe and typically provide relief, often immediate, from conditions like migraines, cluster headaches, and trigeminal neuralgia, which causes intense facial pain.
If medications haven't worked well for you or you are looking for an alternative, this can be an option. Other treatments include medications like triptans for migraines, or even surgery for more persistent pain. The risks are minimal but may include a bit of tearing, nosebleed, or temporary numbness.
To prepare, you should avoid eating a few hours before if sedation is needed, and tell us about any medications you're taking, especially blood thinners. After the procedure, you might start feeling better quickly, and you can usually go home the same day. Many patients find they can return to normal activities by the next day, but you'll stay with us for a short while after the procedure to make sure you're feeling alright before heading home. This block has helped many find relief where other treatments have failed, and we're hopeful it will help you too.
FAQs
Are there any risks associated with the sphenopalatine block?
The procedure is considered safe and minimally invasive. However, some minor risks include nasal bleeding, temporary tearing, or minor nasal congestion. More serious complications are rare but can include infection or allergic reactions to the anesthetic used.
How is the sphenopalatine block procedure performed?
There are two primary approaches to the procedure. The intranasal method uses cotton swabs soaked in a numbing medication placed into the nasal passage to reach the nerve area. Alternatively, the infrazygomatic approach involves a needle injection through the cheek bone area, guided by X-ray for precise delivery of the medication.
What conditions can be treated with a sphenopalatine block?
The sphenopalatine block is effective for a variety of conditions, including migraines, cluster headaches, trigeminal neuralgia (characterized by intense facial pain), and atypical facial pain. It can also provide relief for post-traumatic headaches when other treatments have not been successful.
What is a sphenopalatine block and how does it work?
A sphenopalatine block is a medical procedure used to relieve severe headaches and facial pain by targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion, a group of nerves located behind the nose. By temporarily blocking these nerves with local anesthetics, the procedure disrupts pain signals from reaching the brain, providing significant pain relief.
What should I expect during recovery from a sphenopalatine block?
After the procedure, most patients experience pain relief almost immediately, and this relief can last from hours to several months. You will likely be monitored for about 30 minutes after the procedure before being allowed to go home, and most people can resume normal activities within 24 hours.