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Sphenopalatine Nerve Blocks for Headaches

Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Block (Injection Technique)

This is an injection of numbing medicine. It is delivered to the area around a bundle of nerves called the “sphenopalatine ganglion,” which lies deep within your face. This injection can be used to diagnose or to treat problems linked to these nerves.



Cluster headaches, migraine headaches, and chronic daily headaches are common. They result in severe disability including missed working days. Cluster headache is a severe headache that can come on suddenly and last for weeks. It is often centered around the eye. Migraine headaches are often throbbing and severe, often associated with light and sound sensitivity. Sphenopalatine Nerve blocks are an option for treatment of these conditions.

Traditional medical treatments for chronic daily headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches include multiple trials of medications. If one medication fails, patient is moved to a different medication. Often medications don’t work or have significant side effects. This sometimes results in emergency room visits.

Sphenopalatine Nerve Block is a simple procedure used to block the Sphenopalatine Ganglion. This ganglion is located below the mucosa in the inner aspect of the nose. This important ganglion is involved in modulating nerve activity. A small device is inserted into the nose, an an atomizer is able to spray the FDA approved medication on the nasal mucosa. This medication is absorbed and anesthetizes the ganglion. This results in substantial headache relief. If a block is successful, a series of treatments is scheduled. In many cases patients are able to stop medications. This is not a surgery so there is no recovery time with patient able to work during the ongoing treatment.

Call us for a free evaluation to see if this treatment is right for you.

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It was a wonderful experience with Dr. Aronova. She’s very caring and patient, and helped me understand my own situation and its causes. Professional and skilled.

Alevtina Malakova
(718) 878-4656