Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025

Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Field Stimulation for Refractory Facial Pain
Published on: May 10, 2017
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks in Headache Management: A Review
Andrei Lyle Bautista1, Killian Coyne2, Alexander Bautista3
1School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
Abstract:
Headache disorders are among the most prevalent and disabling neurological conditions worldwide, affecting more than three billion individuals and contributing to a substantial socioeconomic burden. Despite the availability of pharmacologic treatments such as triptans, NSAIDs, and CGRP monoclonal antibodies, a significant proportion of patients remain refractory or intolerant to these therapies. The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), a parasympathetic neural structure in the pterygopalatine fossa, is increasingly recognized as a critical node in the pathophysiology of primary headache disorders. SPG blocks-using local anesthetics, neurolytic agents, or electrical neuromodulation-offer a minimally invasive therapeutic approach by disrupting nociceptive transmission and autonomic activation. This narrative review synthesizes the anatomical and physiological rationale for SPG intervention, details various procedural techniques, evaluates clinical evidence across headache subtypes, and explores future research directions. Conditions covered include migraine, cluster headache, tension-type headache, trigeminal neuralgia, and persistent idiopathic facial pain. With expanding evidence and evolving technologies, SPG-targeted interventions have the potential to reshape the management of refractory headaches and facial pain syndromes.
More Related Videos
06:48Ethanol-Induced Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion Block Applications for Promoting Canine Inferior Alveolar Nerve Regeneration Using an Artificial Nerve
Published on: November 30, 2018
04:06Author Spotlight: Minimally Invasive Relief for Occipital Neuralgia at the Nuchal Line
Published on: September 13, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Blockers
Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics
Analgesia and Pain Management
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacological Actions
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...