Trans-nasal sphenopalatine ganglion block for post-dural puncture headache management: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trans-nasal Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) block over other treatments for Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) management. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on databases for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) comparing trans-nasal SPG blockade for the management of PDPH over other treatment modalities. All outcomes were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel method and random effect model. Analyses of all outcomes were performed as a subgroup based on the type of control interventions (conservative, intranasal lignocaine puffs, sham, and Greater Occipital Nerve [GON] block). The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: After screening 1748 relevant articles, 9 RCTs comparing SPG block with other interventions (6 conservative treatments, 1 sham, 1 GON and 1 intranasal lidocaine puff) were included in this meta-analysis. SPG block demonstrated superiority over conservative treatment in pain reduction at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h after interventions and treatment failures with "very low" to "moderate" quality of evidence. The SPG block failed to demonstrate superiority over conservative treatment in pain reduction beyond 6 h, need for rescue treatment, and adverse events. SPG block demonstrated superiority over intranasal lignocaine puff in pain reduction at 30 min, 1 h, 6 h, and 24 h after interventions. SPG block did not show superiority or equivalence in all efficacy and safety outcomes as compared to sham and GON block. Conclusion: Very Low to moderate quality evidence suggests the superiority of SPG block over conservative treatment and lignocaine puff for short-term pain relief from PDPH. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42021291707.

It's not always postdural puncture headache: a case report and note to the astute anesthesiologist

Abstract Dural puncture is either diagnosed by unexpectedly profound response to medication test dose or development of a postpartum postural headache. Epidural blood patch is the gold standard for treatment of PDPH when conservative management fails. However, postpartum headaches can be resistant to multiple epidural blood patches. In such cases, preexisting intracranial processes should be considered and ruled out. We report here the unique case of a pregnant patient who developed a resistant headache in the postpartum period related to an incidental intracranial aneurysm. Subsequent treatment with endovascular embolization adequately relieved her symptoms. Early surgical consultation and a multidisciplinary team approach involving neurology and neuroimaging is required for successful management of patients such as the one described here.

Early versus late sphenopalatine ganglion block with ropivacaine in postdural puncture headache: an observational study

Abstract Background Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication of neuraxial techniques which delays patients' discharge. Sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) is a safe bedside technique with comparable efficacy to Epidural Blood Patch, the gold-standard treatment. There is no evidence on the ideal timing for SPGB performance. We aimed to evaluate the difference between early versus late SPGB concerning efficacy, symptom recurrence and hospital length of stay. Methods We present an observational study with 41 patients diagnosed with PDPH who were submitted to SPGB with ropivacaine 0,75%. The study sample (n = 41) was divided in two groups: an early (less than 24 hours after diagnosis) and a late (more than 24 hours after diagnosis) SPGB group. Pain was evaluated 15 minutes after the block and follow up occurred daily until patients were discharged. Patients' demographic characteristics, neuraxial technique, timing of SPGB, qualitative pain relief and post-SPGB length of stay were registered and analyzed with SPSS statistics (v26) software. Results Early SPGB resulted in a significant reduction in length of stay (p = 0,009) and symptom recurrence (p = 0,036), showing equally effective pain relief, compared to late SPGB. Conclusions SPGB was equally effective in both groups. Data showed that early SPGB reduces length of hospital stay and symptom recurrence, which potentially allows early resumption of daily activities and a reduction in total health costs.

Self-applied sphenopalatine ganglion block for postdural puncture headache: four case reports / Bloqueio do gânglio esfenopalatino autoaplicado para cefaleia pós-punção dural: relato de quatro casos

Abstract Background and objectives The Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SGB) is an effective, low-risk treatment option for Postdural Puncture Headache (PDPH) refractory to conservative management. Case report This report presents four complex cases of patients with headache related to low cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Three of them were successfully treated with the application of local anesthetic topical drops through the nasal cavity. Conclusion The novel approach described in this report has minimal risks of discomfort or injury to the nasal mucosa. It is quick to apply and can be administered by the patient himself.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O Bloqueio do Gânglio Esfenopalatino (BGEP) é opção de tratamento efetivo associado a baixo risco para Cefaleia Pós-Punção Dural (CPPD) refratária às medidas conservadoras. Relato de caso: Este relato apresenta quatro pacientes com alta complexidade que apresentaram cefaleia relacionada à baixa pressão do líquido cefaloraquidiano. Três pacientes foram tratados com sucesso pela instilação de gotas de anestésico local tópico na cavidade nasal. Conclusões: A nova abordagem descrita neste relato apresenta riscos mínimos de desconforto ou lesão à mucosa nasal. A aplicação é rápida e pode ser administrada pelo próprio paciente.

Bloqueo del ganglio esfenopalatino, una opción para el tratamiento de la cefalea postpunción dural / Sphenopalatine ganglion block, an option for treatment of post dural puncture headache

Post-dural puncture headache is a complication of neuroaxial anesthesia. The initial approach consists of supportive treatment. In case of therapeutic failure, the epidural blood patch (PSE) is the treatment of choice. The case of a sphenopalatine ganglion block is presented for its management with good results.

La cefalea postpunción dural es una complicación de la anestesia neuroaxial. El abordaje inicial consiste en tratamiento de soporte. En caso de falla terapéutica, el parche sanguíneo epidural (PSE) es el tratamiento de elección. Se presenta el caso de un bloqueo de ganglio esfenopalatino para su manejo con buenos resultados.

Sphenopalatine ganglion block for postdural puncture headache in ambulatory setting / Bloqueio do gânglio esfenopalatino para cefaleia pós-punção dural em contexto de ambulatório

Abstract Background and objectives: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication following subarachnoid blockade and its incidence varies with the size of the needle used and the needle design. Suportive therapy is the usual initial approach. Epidural blood patch (EBP) is the gold-standard when supportive therapy fails but has significant risks associated. Sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) may be a safer alternative. Case report: We observed a 41 year-old female patient presenting with PDPH after a subarachnoid blockade a week before. We administrated 1 l of crystalloids, Dexamethasone 4 mg, parecoxib 40 mg, acetaminophen 1 g and caffeine 500 mg without significant relief after 2 hours. We performed a bilateral SPGB with a cotton-tipped applicator saturated with 0.5% Levobupivacaine under standard ASA monitoring. Symptoms relief was reported 5 minutes after the block. The patient was monitored for an hour after which she was discharged and prescribed acetaminophen 1 g and ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours for the following 2 days. She was contacted on the next day and again after a week reporting no pain in both situation. Conclusions: SPGB may attenuate cerebral vasodilation induced by parasympathetic stimulation transmitted through neurons that have synapses in the sphenopalatine ganglion. This would be in agreement with the Monro-Kellie concept and would explain why caffeine and sumatriptan can have some effect in the treatment of PDPH. Apparently, SPGB has a faster onset than EBP with better safety profile. We suggest that patients presenting with PDPH should be considered primarily for SPGB. Patients may have a rescue EBP if needed.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Cefaleia pós-punção dural (CPPD) é uma complicação comum após bloqueio subaracnoideo e sua incidência varia de acordo com o tamanho e desenho da agulha usada. Geralmente, a terapia de apoio é a abordagem inicial. O tampão sanguíneo peridural (TSP) é o padrão de terapia quando a terapia de apoio falha, mas tem riscos significativos associados. O bloqueio do gânglio esfenopalatino (BGEP) pode ser uma opção mais segura. Relato de caso: Atendemos uma paciente de 41 anos, com CPPD após bloqueio subaracnoideo uma semana antes. Administramos cristaloides (1 L), dexametasona (4 mg), parecoxib (40 mg), acetaminofeno (1 g) e cafeína (500 mg), sem alívio significativo após 2 horas. Fizemos um bloqueio bilateral do gânglio esfenopalatino, com um aplicador com ponta de algodão saturada com levobupivacaína a 0,5% sob monitoração padrão ASA. O alívio dos sintomas foi relatado 5 minutos após o bloqueio. A paciente foi monitorada por uma hora e depois recebeu alta com prescrição de acetaminofeno (1 g) e ibuprofeno (400 mg) a cada 8 horas para os dois dias seguintes. A paciente foi contatada no dia seguinte e novamente após uma semana e, em ambos os contatos, relatou não sentir dor. Conclusões: O BGEP pode ter atenuado a vasodilatação cerebral induzida pelo estímulo parassimpático transmitido através dos neurônios que têm sinapses no gânglio esfenopalatino. Esse mecanismo estaria de acordo com o conceito de Monro-Kellie e explicaria por que a cafeína e o sumatriptano podem ter algum efeito no tratamento da CPPD. Aparentemente, o BGEP tem um início mais rápido do que o do TSP, com um melhor perfil de segurança. Sugerimos que os pacientes que se apresentam com CPPD devam ser considerados primeiro para BGEP. Os pacientes podem ser submetidos a um TSP de resgate, caso necessário.

Bilateral subdural hematoma secondary to accidental dural puncture / Hematoma subdural bilateral secundário a punção dural acidental / Hematoma subdural bilateral secundario a punción dural accidental

We report the case of a 25-year-old woman, who received epidural analgesia for labor pain and subsequently presented post-dural puncture headache. Conservative treatment was applied and epidural blood patch was performed. In the absence of clinical improvement and due to changes in the postural component of the headache, a brain imaging test was performed showing a bilateral subdural hematoma. The post-dural puncture headache is relatively common, but the lack of response to established medical treatment as well as the change in its characteristics and the presence of neurological deficit, should raise the suspicion of a subdural hematoma, which although is rare, can be lethal if not diagnosed and treated at the right time.

Apresentamos o caso clínico de uma paciente de 25 anos na qual uma técnica peridural foi aplicada durante o trabalho de parto e posteriormente apresentou cefaleia com características de cefaleia pós-punção dural. Foi iniciado tratamento conservador e tampão de sangue peridural. Devido à ausência de melhoria clínica e à mudança do componente postural da cefaleia, decidiu-se fazer um exame de imagem cerebral que demonstrou a presença de hematoma subdural bilateral. A cefaleia pós-punção dural é relativamente frequente, mas a falta de resposta ao tratamento médico instaurado, assim como a mudança em suas características e a presença de foco neurológico, deve levantar a suspeita de presença de um hematoma subdural que, embora infrequente, pode chegar a ser devastador se não for diagnosticado e tratado oportunamente.

Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente de 25 años de edad, a quien se le realizó una técnica epidural durante el trabajo de parto y posteriormente presentó cefalea con características de cefalea pospunción dural. Se inició tratamiento conservador y se realizó parche hemático epidural. Ante la falta de mejoría clínica y debido al cambio en el componente postural de la cefalea, se decidió realizar una prueba de imagen cerebral que demostró la presencia de hematoma subdural bilateral. La cefalea pospunción dural es relativamente frecuente, pero la falta de respuesta al tratamiento médico instaurado, así como el cambio en sus características y la presencia de focalidad neurológica, deben hacer sospechar la presencia de un hematoma subdural que, aunque infrecuente, puede llegar a ser devastador si no se diagnostica y trata oportunamente.

Cefaleia após anestesia subaracnoidea com sete meses de evolução: relato de caso / Post-dural headache with seven months duration: case report / Cefalea posterior a la anestesia subaracnoidea con siete meses de evolución: relato de caso

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A cefaleia pós-punção dural é uma complicação possível e esperada em uma pequena parcela dos casos após a realização da raquianestesia. Este relato teve por objetivo descrever a conduta terapêutica tomada diante de um caso de cefaleia pós-punção de dura-máter com sete meses de evolução. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 40 anos, previamente saudável, apresentou-se ao hospital em quadro de cefaleia com sete meses de duração e que teve início após a realização de raquianestesia. Ao ser examinada, relatou que alguns analgésicos e a posição de decúbito lhe traziam alívio parcial da dor. Após a suspeita de cefaleia pós-punção dural, realizou-se um tampão sanguíneo peridural, com resolução completa do quadro. Recebeu alta hospitalar sem queixas. CONCLUSÕES: O presente caso demonstrou que o tampão sanguíneo peridural foi eficaz no tratamento da cefaleia crônica pós-punção dural em um caso com sete meses de duração.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Post-dural puncture headache is a possible and expected complication in a small percentage of cases after spinal anesthesia. The objective of the current report was to describe the therapeutic conduct in a case of post-dural puncture headache with seven months of evolution. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old healthy female who complained of headache for seven months, which began after spinal anesthesia. She reported that some analgesics and decubitus position provided partial pain relief. An epidural blood patch was performed, with complete resolution of pain. She was discharged without complaints. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrated that the epidural blood patch was effective in the treatment of chronic post-dural puncture headache in a case with seven-month evolution.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La cefalea postpunción dural es una complicación posible y esperada en una pequeña parte de los casos posteriores a la realización de la raquianestesia. Este relato quiso describir la conducta terapéutica tomada frente a un caso de cefalea postpunción de dura madre con siete meses de evolución. RELATO DEL CASO: Paciente del sexo femenino, 40 años, anteriormente sana, que se presentó en el hospital con un cuadro de cefalea con siete meses de duración y que se inició después de la realización de la raquianestesia. Al ser examinada, relató que algunos analgésicos y la posición de decúbito le aliviaban parcialmente el dolor. Después de sospechar de una cefalea postpunción dural, se realizó un tampón sanguíneo epidural, con la resolución completa del cuadro. Recibió alta sin quejarse. CONCLUSIONES: El presente caso demostró que el tampón sanguíneo epidural fue eficaz en el tratamiento de la cefalea crónica postpunción dural en un caso con siete meses de duración.

Incidence of post dural puncture headache [PDPH] with different gauge spinal needles in relation to age

To asses the incidence of PDPH in different gauges of spinal needle in relation to age. 1500. Comparative Study Armed Forces Institute of Urology [RWP], Railway General Hospital [RWP] and Waseema Talat PVT LTD, Multan. 15[th] Aug, 2007 to 14[th] Aug, 2008. 1500 patients were studied in 9 different groups [A1, B1, C1, A2, B2, C2, A3, B3, C3] with group A, B and C for 23G, 25G and 27G respectively and 1, 2 and 3 for 26-40yrs, 41-55 yrs, and 56-70yrs respectively. Al included younger age group with 23G spinal needles and C3 included older age group with 27G spinal needle. ASA II/III grade patients were selected. All groups were preloaded with 10ml/kg body weight ringers lactate. Routine urine examination and blood complete picture were done. 24hrs strict post-operative bed rest observed. The frequency of PDPH in A1[6%], B1[3%], C1[2%], A2[3%], B2[1.33%], C2[0%], A3[0%], B3[0%], C3[0%]. The study clearly shows that incidence is much higher in younger age group even with the finest needle of 27 gauges