What is sphenopalatine block?

Sphenopalatine ganglion is a group of nerves supplying the face and is located behind the nose. This ganglion is responsible for transmission of pain signals from face and head. On blocking this ganglion with the help of medications will lead to decreasing the transmissions of pain signals coming from head and face.

Which conditions is it used to treat?

Cluster headaches, Trigeminal neuralgia, Post herpetic neuralgia, Atypical facial pain, Orofacial cancer pains.

How is the procedure done?

It is done as a day care procedure inside the operation theatre under local anaesthesia. Under the guidance of fluoroscopy exact landmarks are identified and medications are given. If this gives immediate pain relief then the block is said to be positive for diagnosis and then therapeutic block is done with another injection procedure called radiofrequency ablation. The effect of therapeutic block may take sometime to reach its peak.

Will it give a permanent relief?

It gives longer duration of pain relief when compared to other treatment modalities. Although subsequent injections may be required later.