About the treatment
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. Damage to this nerve bundle can result in severe pain in the face and head. This procedure can also treat migraine headaches associated with sphenopalatine ganglion nerve issues. Upon evaluation, your provider will do a thorough evaluation and choose the best approach to anesthetize the sphenopalatine ganglion. Options of approach include the transnasal, transoral, and lateral. This procedure is used to block pain transmission resulting in reduced pain levels and providing pain relief. Patients may be sedated prior to the procedure depending on the approach that is used and patient preference.
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, nosebleeds, 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 or headaches for patients with issues with the sphenopalatine ganglion nerve bundle.