Postdural Puncture Headaches in Pediatric Patients: A Review of Options When Repeated Epidural Blood Patches Do Not Work.

We present the case of an adolescent with refractory postdural puncture headache (PDPH), whose symptoms resolved with a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) nerve block using a J-tip style catheter. Our patient was treated with multiple modalities, including conservative and medical management, multiple epidural blood patches, and different nerve blocks. We discussed different treatments for the PDPH, why each modality did not work, and why our SPG block with a J-tip catheter possibly provided a better sympathetic block in a patient with intractable PDPH for two weeks.

Comparison of Greater Occipital Nerve Blockade and Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blockade in Patients with Episodic Migraine.

Objectives: Compare the effects of greater occipital nerve (GON) and sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) blocks on headache intensity and duration, number of headache days, and disability in patients with episodic migraine. Methods: In this prospective single-blind randomized study, patients with episodic migraine were randomly divided into two groups: GON and SPG block groups. Patients received blocks once a week for 4 weeks, and once a month for 2 months. The number of headache days, the headache duration, numeric rating scale (NRS) scores, and number of acute medical treatments were assessed before the procedures and 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after the procedures. Disability was evaluated using the migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire at baseline and 3 months after treatment. This study protocol is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06243874.). Results: 19 patients in the GON block group and 18 patients in the SPG block group were evaluated. Significant improvements in pain severity, headache duration, number of headache days, and the need for acute medical treatment were observed in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd months compared to baseline in the two groups (p < 0.001). There were significant improvements in the MIDAS scores in the third month (p < 0.001). The GON block group showed a greater reduction in headache intensity, duration, number of headache days, and MIDAS scores compared to the SPG block group in the 3rd month (p < 0.001). Conclusions: GON block reduces headache duration, intensity, the number of headache days, and the need for acute medical treatment much more than SPG block in patients with episodic migraine.

Ultrasound-guided sphenopalatine ganglion block for effective analgesia during awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Awake fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation (AFNI) is the preferred airway management strategy for patients with difficult airways. However, this procedure can cause significant physical and psychological distress. This case report explores the application of a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block as an alternative analgesic modality to mitigate the discomfort associated with AFNI. CASE SUMMARY: A 63-year-old female with a history of right maxillary osteosarcoma underwent craniotomy for a suspected malignant brain lesion. The patient's medical history included prior surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, resulting in significant jaw impairment and limited neck mobility. Considering the anticipated airway challenges, AFNI was planned. A SPG block was performed under real-time ultrasound guidance, providing effective analgesia during nasotracheal intubation. CONCLUSION: The SPG block represents a promising analgesic approach in AFNI, offering potential benefits in alleviating pain involving the nasal and nasopharyngeal regions as well as improving patient cooperation.

Sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation: a comprehensive evaluation across diseases in randomized controlled trials.

Background: Current literature extensively covers the use of sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation (SPGs) in treating a broad spectrum of medical conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, cluster headaches, and strokes. Nevertheless, a discernible gap in the systematic organization and analysis of these studies is evident. This paper aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive review and analysis of existing literature on SPGs across various medical conditions. Methods: This study meticulously constructed a comprehensive database through systematic computerized searches conducted on PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM up to May 2022. The inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in either Chinese or English, focusing on the therapeutic applications of SPGs for various medical conditions. Both qualitative and quantitative outcome indicators were considered eligible for inclusion. Results: This comprehensive study reviewed 36 publications, comprising 10 high-quality, 23 medium-quality, and three low-quality articles. The study investigated various diseases, including allergic rhinitis (AR), ischemic strokes (IS), cluster headache (CH), primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN), pediatric chronic secretory otitis (PCSO), refractory facial paralysis (RFP), chronic tension-type headache (CTTH), as well as the analysis of low-frequency sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation (LF-SPGs) in chronic cluster headache (CCH) and the impact of SPGs on Normal nasal cavity function (NNCF). SPGs demonstrate efficacy in the treatment of AR. Regarding the improvement of rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) scores, SPGs are considered the optimal intervention according to the SUCRA ranking. Concerning the improvement in Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Conventional Acupuncture Combined with Tradiational Chinese Medicine (CA-TCM) holds a significant advantage in the SUCRA ranking and is deemed the best intervention. In terms of increasing Effective Rate (ER), SPGs outperformed both conventional acupuncture (CA) and Western Medicine (WM; P < 0.05). In the context of SPGs treatment for IS, the results indicate a significant improvement in the 3-month outcomes, as evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) in the context of Cerebral Cortical Infarction (CCI; P < 0.05). In the treatment of CH with SPGs, the treatment has been shown to have a statistically significant effect on the relief and disappearance of headaches (P < 0.05). The impact of SPGs on NNCF reveals statistically significant improvements (P < 0.05) in nasal airway resistance (NAR), nasal cavity volume (NCV), exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). SPGs treatments for PCSO, RFP, and CTTH, when compared to control groups, yielded statistically significant results (P < 0.05). Conclusion: SPGs demonstrate significant effectiveness in the treatment of AR, IS, and CH. Effective management of CCH may require addressing both autonomic dysregulation and deeper neural pathways. However, additional high-quality research is essential to clarify its effects on NNCF, PTN, PCSO, RFP, and CTTH. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier CRD42021252073, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=312429.

Sphenopalatine ganglion block for the treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension without demonstrable cerebrospinal fluid leak: A report of two cases.

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a condition characterized by orthostatic headache associated with nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, vertigo, hypoacusis, neck pain/stiffness, and photophobia. Usual treatment includes bed rest, hydration, caffeine, analgesics, epidural blood patch, steroids, fibrin glue (N-butyl-cyanoacrylate), and surgical repair. In this series, we report two cases, who presented to us with features of SIH and were managed successfully with sphenopalatine ganglion block. This is a novel modality of management of SIH and has not been reported before.

[Sphenopalatine ganglion block : a promising approach for headache and supratentorial intracranial surgery ?] / Le bloc du ganglion sphénopalatin : un traitement prometteur pour les céphalées et la chirurgie intracrânienne supratentorielle ?

We aimed to determine whether sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) had a place as a treatment for headache, as well as its place as an anterior component of scalp block for supratentorial intracranial surgery. Using the keywords «sphenopalatine ganglion¼, «sphenopalatine ganglion block¼, «pain¼, «surgery¼ and «craniotomy¼ in PubMed and Google Scholar, we identified 14 relevant articles. The methods used to perform the block and the treatment of control groups differed between studies. The main outcomes studied were reduction in pain scores and hemodynamic variations during supratentorial intracranial surgery. All articles concluded that SPGB was equal or superior compared with other procedures. Although there are still several points to be studied, considering the ease of application, the low number of complications and the results of the studies, the use of SPGB for the headache treatment and in neurosurgery as an anterior component of scalp block seems appropriate.

Cette revue de la littérature narrative vise à déterminer la place du bloc du ganglion sphénopalatin (BGSP) comme traitement des céphalées ainsi que sa place comme composante antérieure du bloc de scalp pour la chirurgie intracrânienne supratentorielle. Avec les mots-clés «ganglion sphénopalatin¼, «bloc du ganglion sphénopalatin¼, «douleur¼, «chirurgie¼ et «crâniotomie dans PubMed et Google Scholar, nous avons identifié 14 articles pertinents. Les méthodes de réalisation du bloc ainsi que les traitements des groupes témoins différaient selon les études. Les résultats principaux étudiés étaient la réduction des scores de douleur ainsi que les variations hémodynamiques au cours de la chirurgie intracrânienne supratentorielle. Tous les articles ont conclu à la non-infériorité ou la supériorité du BGSP en comparaison à d'autres procédures. Bien que plusieurs points restent à étudier, compte tenu de la facilité d'application, du peu de complications et des résultats, l'utilisation du BGSP pour le traitement des céphalées et en neurochirurgie comme composante antérieure du bloc de scalp semble appropriée.

Is transoral sphenopalatine ganglion blockade more effective on postoperative pain than endoscopic sphenopalatine ganglion blockade?

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to examine and compare the effects of endoscopic SPGB and transoral SPGB on postoperative pain control and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing septoplasty. METHODS: Participants were randomly divided into three groups, no blockade (n:20), endoscopic SPGB (n:20), and transoral SPGB (n:20). Those who had no blockage were included in the control group. Demographic data of patients, such as age and sex, VAS (visual analogue scale) and postoperative pain scores (PPS) [determined at arrival in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and after 2, 6, 12, and 24 h], general analgesic use (24 and 168 h after surgery) and postoperative Quality of Recovery (QoR-15) values were recorded and compare them. RESULTS: The PPS PACU of 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24-h values of the transoral group were lower than the endoscopic and control groups (p < 0.001).The values of 24 h and 168 h of analgesic use in the transoral group were lower than in the control and endoscopic groups (p < 0.001).The average recovery QoR-15 scores at 12 h and 24 h differed according to the groups (p < 0.001) and the highest values were in the transoral group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Transoral SPGB is more effective in postoperative pain control than endoscopic SPGB, it decreases the use of postoperative analgesics and improves postoperative recovery scores.

Postoperative effects of bilateral sphenopalatine ganglion blockade in septorhinoplasty operations; double-blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of bilateral sphenopalatine ganglion blockade (SPGB) on the main postoperative complications in septorhinoplasty operations. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, prospective study, 80 cases planned for Septorhinoplasty operations under general anesthesia were included in the study. The cases were divided into two groups; SPGB was performed with 2 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine bilaterally 15 min before the end of the operation in the SPGB group (Group S, n = 40). In the control group (Group C, n = 40), 2 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution was applied into both SPG areas. In the recovery unit after the operation; the pain and analgesic needs of the patients at 0, 2, 6 and 24 h were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of hemodynamic parameters (ASA, MBP, HR) (p > 0.05) All VAS values were statistically lower in Group S than in Group C (p < 0.05). In Group S, the need for analgesic medication was found in 5 cases between 0-2 h, whereas in Group C, this rate was found in 17 cases, and it was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bilateral SPGB application was determined to provide better analgesia in the early postoperative period compared to the control group, it was concluded that further studies are needed to say that there are significant effects on laryngospasm and nausea-vomiting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2, degree of recommendation B.

Postoperative effects of bilateral sphenopalatine ganglion blockade in septorhinoplasty operations; double-blind randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective We aimed to investigate the effect of bilateral sphenopalatine ganglion blockade (SPGB) on the main postoperative complications in septorhinoplasty operations. Methods In this randomized, controlled, prospective study, 80 cases planned for Septorhinoplasty operations under general anesthesia were included in the study. The cases were divided into two groups; SPGB was performed with 2 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine bilaterally 15 min before the end of the operation in the SPGB group (Group S, n = 40). In the control group (Group C, n = 40), 2 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution was applied into both SPG areas. In the recovery unit after the operation; the pain and analgesic needs of the patients at 0, 2, 6 and 24 h were evaluated. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of hemodynamic parameters (ASA, MBP, HR) (p> 0.05) All VAS values were statistically lower in Group S than in Group C (p< 0.05). In Group S, the need for analgesic medication was found in 5 cases between 0-2 h, whereas in Group C, this rate was found in 17 cases, and it was statistically significant (p< 0.05). Conclusion Bilateral SPGB application was determined to provide better analgesia in the early postoperative period compared to the control group, it was concluded that further studies are needed to say that there are significant effects on laryngospasm and nausea-vomiting. Level of evidence: 2, degree of recommendation B.

Intranasal sphenopalatine ganglion block by lignocaine spray for postdural puncture headache following spinal anesthesia: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: In a randomized clinical study, we investigated the effectiveness of nasal lignocaine spray and swabs in treating postdural puncture headache (PDPH) after spinal anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Group S patients received two puffs of lignocaine 10% spray in both nostrils followed by cotton soaked in normal saline, and group B patients received two puffs of saline spray in both nostrils followed by a cotton swab soaked in lignocaine 2%. Patients were assessed before the procedure and 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 2 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the procedure for pain relief with the help of a visual analogue scale (VAS). Hemodynamic parameters and adverse effects were also recorded. Normally distributed continuous variables were expressed as mean (95% confidence interval) whereas non-normally distributed variables were expressed as median (IQR). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the VAS score at different time points between test and control groups. The difference in means between the two groups was compared using the independent sample t -test. The paired t-test was used to compare the changes in clinical and laboratory variables. RESULTS: At each time point, the mean VAS score for pain was substantially different between the two groups. Moreover, until the second hour, the VAS score was significantly lower in group S than in group B. No significant intervention-related adverse effect was observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Without any noticeable side effects, lignocaine 10% spray is more successful in treating PDPH after spinal anesthesia, particularly in the first two hours.

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.

Intranasal Lidocaine Administration via Mucosal Atomization Device: A Simple and Successful Treatment for Postdural Puncture Headache in Obstetric Patients.

(1) Background: Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) remains a serious complication in obstetric patients. While the epidural blood patch represents the current gold standard in therapy, a growing number of alternative measures are thought to be beneficial for clinical management. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the efficacy of intranasal lidocaine administration to treat PDPH in obstetrics at our university hospital; (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients with PDPH has been performed focusing on the techniques of administration, dosing, treatment duration, impact on pain intensity as well as side effects of intranasal lidocaine; (3) Results: During the study period, 5610 obstetric patients received neuraxial anesthesia, of whom 43 (0.77%) developed PDPH. About one third of the patients with PDPH after spinal anesthesia (n = 8), epidural anesthesia (n = 5) or both (n = 2) were treated with intranasal lidocaine. Lidocaine was administered either via gauze compresses (GC, n = 4), a mucosal atomization device (MAD, n = 8) or with a second-line mucosal atomization device due to low gauze compress efficacy (n = 3). All patients treated with lidocaine refused the epidural blood patch. Nebulization of lidocaine resulted in a significant reduction in pain intensity after the first dose (p = 0.008). No relevant side effects developed except sporadic temporal pharyngeal numbness. The utilization of the mucosal atomization device averted the necessity for an epidural blood patch, whether employed as the primary or secondary approach; (4) Conclusions: Our data imply that the mucosal atomization device enhances the efficacy of intranasal lidocaine administration in obstetric patients suffering from PDPH.

A Case Report of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Relieving Chronic Pain Post-Dental Bone Graft Surgery.

Chronic orofacial pain, by definition, is a pain that can anatomically extend anywhere between the area just under the orbitomeatal line, anterior to the pinnae, and above the neck. It occurs for 15 days or more per month, lasting four or more hours daily, for at least three months. Chronic orofacial pain, including persistent idiopathic facial pain syndrome, can significantly impact patients' quality of life and pose challenges for effective management. This case report describes a successful transnasal approach in treating a patient with severe oral pain following a bone graft surgery by blocking the sphenopalatine ganglion. The block provided significant pain relief and improved the patient's daily functioning. This minimally invasive treatment option offers an alternative for managing chronic orofacial pain after dental procedures such as bone graft surgery.

Implicación ocular en el tratamiento con radiofrecuencia pulsada del ganglio esfenopalatino / Ocular involvement in sphenopalatine ganglion pulsed radiofrequency

El tratamiento con radiofrecuencia pulsada del ganglio esfenopalatino es una opción importante a tener en cuenta respecto al tratamiento intervencionista en casos refractarios de neuralgia del trigémino o dolores faciales atípicos, dado el fácil acceso a su localización. A pesar de que las complicaciones de esta técnica son raras y es un procedimiento bastante seguro, a nivel oftalmológico cabe reseñar su importancia por las relaciones anatómicas de este ganglio (AU)

Pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the sphenopalatine ganglion is an important interventional treatment in refractory cases of trigeminal neuralgia or atypical facial pain, given the easy access to its location. Despite the fact that complications from this technique are rare and it is a fairly safe procedure, ophthalmologists should know about it due to the anatomical relations of this ganglion (AU)

Neuromodulation for the Sphenopalatine Ganglion-a Narrative Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an integrated overview of the current state of knowledge of neuromodulation for the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) by reviewing relevant and significant literature. RECENT FINDINGS: There are several case reports and clinical trials evaluating neuromodulation for the SPG. We identified two blinded, randomized clinical trials for patients with chronic cluster headache. The randomized trials and additional studies demonstrated the long-term safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of neuromodulation for the SPG. Recent studies in Europe and the USA suggest that SPG neuromodulation is a novel modality with clinical importance for treating acute cluster headaches and reducing the frequency of attacks.

Effects of bilateral transmucosal sphenopalatine ganglion block on intraoperative anesthetic requirements and recovery profile in children undergoing palatoplasty under general anesthesia.

Background and Aims: Sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) given as injection provides excellent perioperative analgesia during palatoplasty. Our objectives were to assess the effect of transmucosal SPGB on anesthetic requirements, intraoperative hemodynamics, recovery time, and emergence delirium in children undergoing palatoplasty. Material and Methods: This prospective, randomized study was conducted in 30 children with cleft palate undergoing palatoplasty, divided into two equal groups. After induction and intubation, patients in Group B received bilateral SPGB using cotton-tipped applicators soaked in 2% lignocaine, which were passed through both the nares, and the distal tip was positioned just superior to middle turbinate and anterior to pterygopalatine fossa and sphenopalatine ganglion. In Group C, saline-soaked cotton applicators were used. All patients received general anesthesia as per a standardized protocol. Intraoperative heart rate, mean arterial pressure, the requirement of anesthetics, extubation time, and emergence delirium were compared. Results: Compared with Group C, patients in Group B had significantly lower sevoflurane consumption (17.2 ± 2.6 vs. 27.5 ± 5.0mL, P < 0.001) and fentanyl consumption (2.2 ± 0.5 vs. 3.2 ± 0.6 µ/kg, P < 0.001).The extubation time was significantly shorter in Group B (3.9 ± 0.7 vs. 9.5 ± 1.6 minutes, P < 0.001). PAED (Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium Scale) scores at 5and 10 minutes were significantly higher in Group C (P < 0.001). Intraoperative heart rate was significantly higher in Group C. Group C had significantly higher mean arterial pressure at 15, 60, and 75 minutes. Conclusion: Preoperative, SPGB administered by mucosal application of local anesthetic significantly reduced sevoflurane and fentanyl requirements, with stable hemodynamics, quicker recovery, and less emergence delirium in children undergoing palatoplasty.

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

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.

Ocular involvement in sphenopalatin ganglion pulsed radiofrequency.

Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment of the sphenopalatine ganglion is an important interventional treatment in refractory cases of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) or atypical facial pain, given the easy access to its location. Despite the fact that complications from this technique are rare and it is a fairly safe procedure, ophthalmologists should know about it due to the anatomical relations of this ganglion.