Sphenopalatine ganglion block in orofacial pain and headache disorders: A review of case reports.

OBJECTIVE

To review and synthesize published case reports on the use of sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block in orofacial and headache disorders, focusing on techniques and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

A review of 55 case reports and series extracted data on 29 papers, including diagnoses, SPG block technique, anesthetic or drug, outcomes, and adverse effects.

RESULTS

SPG block was reported in trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathies, burning mouth syndrome, non-specified facial pain, autonomic cephalalgias, migraine, tension type headache, COVID related headache and acute cephalalgias. The most frequently used technique was intranasal with cotton tip applicators, with lidocaine 2-10% as the most common agent. Most reports document relief, but long-term data is not available. Neurogenic pain conditions and migraine showed superior therapeutic responses to the SPG block procedure.

CONCLUSION

SPG block appears effective and safe, though higher-level evidence is still needed.