Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Asheville
Powerful & Long-Lasting Headache Pain Relief
Do you struggle with persistent headaches, facial pain, or migraines? If so, you might be a candidate for a procedure known as a sphenopalatine ganglion block. That may sound complicated or even a bit intimidating, but it is actually a fairly simple treatment! Continue reading below to learn more about it, and then contact our Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics team to request a consultation with Dr. Pinkston.
What Is a Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block?
A sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block is an advanced treatment used to relieve chronic headache disorders, facial pain, and other conditions. This minimally invasive procedure can effectively reduce symptoms of:
- Migraines – Intense, throbbing headaches often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Cluster headaches – Excruciating headaches that occur in cycles, usually on one side of the head.
- Paroxysmal hemicrania – Severe, short-lasting headaches with stabbing or throbbing pain on one side.
Beyond headache relief, SPG blocks may also help manage:
- Autonomic dysregulation – Dysfunction of the nervous system affecting automatic bodily functions.
- Atypical facial pain – Unexplained, persistent facial pain with no clear cause.
- Anxiety – May provide relief for stress-related symptoms.
- Fibromyalgia – A chronic pain condition characterized by widespread muscle pain and fatigue.
- Trigeminal neuralgia – A nerve disorder causing sudden, electric shock-like facial pain.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) – A debilitating condition causing chronic pain, often in the limbs.
This safe and effective treatment offers a drug-free alternative for pain relief, helping patients regain control.
The procedure works by applying a local anesthetic to the sphenopalatine ganglion, which is a cluster of nerve cells located just behind the nose. They are responsible for transmitting sensory information related to the nasal cavity and face. The ganglion also plays a role in autonomic functions, including tearing and nasal congestion.
Once the nerve block takes effect, disrupts signals in your nervous system that can cause pain and other symptoms. That is why it is able to provide significant relief from headache disorders and the other conditions mentioned above.
How Does a Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Work?
The sphenopalatine ganglion block procedure is non-surgical and fairly quick and comfortable.
There are a few different ways in which this treatment can be performed:
- The local anesthetic can be applied using cotton swabs inserted into the back of the nose.
- The anesthetic can be injected through the cheek. (This approach typically requires the assistance of imaging equipment to ensure that the injection is precise.)
- The anesthetic may be administered using catheters inserted into the nose. The catheters are small plastic tubes that can distribute the anesthesia in and around the sphenopalatine ganglion.
Your nose may be numbed to make the procedure a bit easier for you. However, you might still experience pressure as a device is inserted to administer the anesthetic. Some patients end up swallowing a bit of the medication, which might cause a bad taste or a mild burning sensation.
The Benefits of Getting a Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block
A sphenopalatine ganglion block has the potential to offer several benefits:
- Effective pain relief. Some patients who have not found relief with other treatment methods experience very good results from a sphenopalatine ganglion block.
- The results can last a while. Some patients experience pain relief and symptom reduction that lasts for several months or longer. (If your results do not last that long, the procedure can be repeated multiple times. Some patients find that additional treatments increase the duration of their pain relief.)
- Easy procedure. The procedure is easy for patients and generally considered to be very safe.
Do you think a sphenopalatine ganglion block might be right for you? Our Asheville team is ready to answer your questions!
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block FAQs
Does a Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Cause Any Side Effects?
Side effects tend to be mild and temporary. The back of your mouth might be numb for a few hours due to the anesthetic running down from your nose. During that time, you should avoid eating. Some patients may also notice an increase in tear production and nasal congestion.
No extensive downtime is required after this procedure. In fact, you will likely feel well enough to drive yourself home.
How Effective Is a Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block?
Just like any other medical procedure, a sphenopalatine ganglion block is very effective for some patients but less so for others. Some studies place the success rate at between 60% and 70%, while other studies reflect an even higher success rate. In fact, this treatment is often regarded as the most potent method for relief of pain caused by head and neck cancer.
For patients who do not experience relief, it may be that their pain is not related to a disorder that a sphenopalatine ganglion block is typically used to treat.
You will not need to wait long to find out if the procedure was successful for you. You might start to notice pain relief within minutes, though it might take a few hours for the treatment to take full effect.
How Often Can I Have a Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block?
This procedure can be performed multiple times. In fact, some treatment plans may prescribe multiple blocks per week for several weeks. Thereafter, periodic retreatment might be necessary.
Some patients find that the duration of their results increases each time they undergo this type of treatment.
Does Insurance Cover Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks?
Yes, some health insurance policies cover sphenopalatine ganglion blocks for certain conditions. Here are a few notes to keep in mind if you wish to use your benefits:
- Coverage can vary quite a bit between health plans, so there is no guarantee that your treatment will be an approved use of your policy.
- You might need to seek preauthorization in order to receive coverage.
- Our practice is not in-network with any insurance plans. However, we are happy to provide documentation that you can submit to your insurance company in order to receive reimbursement.
How Much Does a Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block Cost?
The cost depends on how many treatments you need and other factors. When you visit us for a consultation, we can share some specific numbers. With the help of available provisions, such as financing, most patients can fit sphenopalatine ganglion blocks into their budget.