A sphenopalatine ganglion block is used to treat pain in the head and face associated with a bundle of nerves located in the midface behind the nasal passages called the sphenopalatine ganglion. Increased sensitivity to this nerve bundle can result in severe pain in the face and head. Anesthetizing this area with lidocaine can dramatically reduce headache pain for days, and even weeks. Options for the procedure approach include the transnasal, transoral, and lateral (injection through the cheek). Patients may be sedated prior to the procedure depending on the approach that is used and according to patient preference.
After the Treatment
Once the procedure has been completed, patients are taken to our recovery suite and monitored for adverse effects and pain relief. Common side effects can include a bitter taste in the mouth, nose bleed, lightheadedness, allergic reaction, seizure, and infection. Side effects are typically minimal and resolve without intervention in a few days. This procedure has proven to show a significant reduction of the head, facial pain, and migraine/headaches for patients with issues to the sphenopalatine ganglion nerve bundle.
