Persistent Coronavirus Disease 2019 Headache Relieved with Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pain Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected millions globally, with many survivors experiencing persistent symptoms.
• Long-term neurological sequelae, such as debilitating headaches, are increasingly reported post-COVID-19 infection.
• Refractory headaches pose a significant challenge in post-COVID-19 care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first successful treatment of a persistent COVID-19-related headache.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block for post-viral headache.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a female patient in her early 50s with a 5-month history of daily, severe, retro-orbital headaches following COVID-19.
• The headache was resistant to standard analgesic medications.
• Treatment involved a single transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced complete resolution of her debilitating headache after the procedure.
• The transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block provided immediate and sustained relief.
• This intervention effectively managed a persistent post-COVID-19 neurological symptom.

Conclusions:

• Transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block is a potential therapeutic option for persistent headaches after COVID-19.
• This minimally invasive procedure offers a novel approach to managing long-term post-viral neurological complications.
• Further research is warranted to explore the broader application of this technique in post-infectious headache management.