Sphenopalatine block for chronic migraine

Sinus conditions can cause headaches and pressure pain in the forehead and around the nose.

In patients with chronic migraines, sinus issues can be a frequent and severe trigger of migraine episodes.

Sphenopalatine (SPG) Block

The sinuses are difficult to target individually, but Pain physicians can hit the 1 nerve bundle sphenopalatine ganglion, a common way station for sensation of the
sinuses, via a specially-shaped catheter.

This procedure does not involve a needle and is fairly low-risk when performed by trained Pain physicians.

We typically start with a trial block to see if the patient responds well to the block. If so, the block can be performed as needed for the patient as a tool to break headaches.

This can be helpful for patients whose headaches have environmental triggers.