Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block
What is sphenopalatine ganglion?
Sphenopalatine ganglion is a bundle of nerves situated on the outer walls of the nasal cavity, which seem to be responsible for the generation and maintenance of pains in cluster headaches, migraine and other facial pains. These are also responsible for carrying pain sensations in patients with oral and facial cancers.
What is sphenopalatine ganglion block?
When cluster headaches, migraines, facial pains and pain due to orofacial cancers are not responding to oral medication, sphenopalatine ganglion block is considered. A small volume of local anaesthetic and a steroid are deposited on the sphenopalatine ganglion under X-ray guidance. This gives short-term pain relief in most patients and can be repeated at regular intervals.
What is sphenopalatine ganglion neurotomy?
Once it is confirmed that a patient is getting short term pain relief with sphenopalatine ganglion block, the nerve bundle can be heated up to 70-80 degree Celsius using special radiofrequency needles to attain long term (1-2 years) pain relief.
How is sphenopalatine ganglion neurotomy done and how should I prepare myself for it?
Sphenopalatine ganglion neurotomy is a day care procedure. This means you will need an admission for about 6-8 hours at Atlas Pain Care. You will be assessed by an anaesthesiologist to review your medical status and to optimise or stop certain medication you might be taking previously. Once you are cleared for the procedure you will be asked to come on an empty stomach (fasting for 6 hours) to Atlas Pain Care. This procedure is done in a clean room under X-ray guidance. The whole procedure will take around 30-45 minutes. Mild sedation will be used, and the entire procedure is associated with minimal pain or discomfort. Once the procedure is over you will be observed for a period of 2-3 hours as a precautionary measure and then discharged home. Please read our FAQ section to know more about what happens on the day of the procedure and later.
What are the complications of a sphenopalatine ganglion neurotomy?
This is an extremely safe procedure and is associated with minimal or no side effects. Rarely minor nasal bleed can occur, but fortunately it settles down in a few hours on its own. You might experience some sort of numbness on your cheek and palate, but this too is transient.