Assessment of the effectiveness of sphenopalatine ganglion blockade in the treatment of migraine.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of sphenopalatine ganglion blockade in the treatment of episodic migraine (EM).

CLINICAL RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY: episodic migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by frequent, severe headache episodes with significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life. Despite pharmacological treatment, many patients do not experience any improvement.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The study included 31 patients (26 women and 4 men) within an age range and were diagnosed with episodic migraine. Participants were aged 22-55 years, with a median age of 35 years. The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block was performed using a soft, needleless Sphenocath applicator (Curonix) with 4% lidocaine. The same procedure was performed in each patient after 6 weeks. Each patient was assessed using 3 scales: the visual analogue scale (VAS), the migraine disability assessment scale (MIDAS), and the headache impact test-6 (HIT-6). Patients rated their pain in VAS score and impact of headache on daily functioning as measured by the HIT-6 scale before the block, 6 weeks after the first block, 6 weeks after the second block, and 6 months after the second block. Moreover, the impact of migraine on a person's daily functioning and level of disa bility was assessed using the MIDAS scale 6 weeks after the second blockade and again 6 months after the second blockade.

RESULTS

The first blockade had a significant effect (z = 5.47657, p = 0.000) reducing pain sensation in a VAS score. Improvement in patient functioning were also achieved, as confirmed by the MIDAS scale and the HIT-6.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Preliminary results of analyses show that blockade of sphenopalatine ganglion can be an effective method of treating episodic migraine. For patients who suffer from migraine headaches, it may be an alternative or a complement to pharmacological treatment.