The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a collection of parasympathetic nerve cells located
just behind the bony structures of the nose. It is closely associated with the trigeminal
nerve, which is the main nerve involved in headache disorders [
[1]
]. SPG nerve blocks for the treatment of headache were first described in the 1900's
using a technique involving the application of numbing medication onto cotton swabs
then placed into the back of the nose [
[1]
]. If effective, an SPG nerve block would potentially be the ideal headache treatment
– fast acting, while avoiding the need for intravenous access, and minimal adverse
effects. However, several studies have been published over the years regarding SPG
blockade with mixed results. The purpose of our study was to test the efficacy of
noninvasive sphenopalatine ganglion block for the treatment of acute headache in the
emergency department (ED) using 2% lidocaine spray delivered by atomizer to each nostril.Keywords
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References
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
February 3,
2021
Received in revised form:
January 4,
2021
Received:
October 5,
2020
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
