A previously undescribed branch of the pterygopalatine ganglion.

BACKGROUND

Endonasal and infrazygomatic pterygopalatine ganglion (PPG) block for facial pain provides pain relief in a broader area than expected on anatomic grounds. The aim of this study was to search for neural structures in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) that could explain unexpected pain relief after PPG blockage.

METHODS

The neural PPF content was explored through human cadaver study and nerve-specific staining. Five human PPF specimens were dissected as whole-mount preparations with the aid of an operation microscope and stained for acetylcholinesterase. One of these specimens was partially sectioned and analyzed through nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

A previously unknown nerve was identified. The nerve runs between the PPG and the ophthalmic nerve and was identified in all five specimens. NOS-containing nerve fibers were present but did not occupy the complete nerve area.

CONCLUSION

Because it is likely that the nerve contains sensory fibers, our findings may provide an anatomic basis for unexplained pain relief in the ophthalmic area after PPG blockage.