What It Is: A Spheno-Palatine Ganglion Block (SPG Block) is a medical procedure that involves the administration of local anesthetic to the spheno-palatine ganglion, a group of nerve cells linked to the trigeminal nerve. This ganglion is located behind the nose and is accessible through the nasal cavity. The procedure can be performed using fluoroscopic guidance, providing real-time imaging for precise placement of the anesthetic, and the blind approach relying on anatomical landmarks for guidance.

How It Will Help: An SPG block is effective in treating various types of facial and head pain, including migraines, cluster headaches, and trigeminal neuralgia. By temporarily numbing the spheno-palatine ganglion, the procedure can significantly reduce pain intensity and frequency. This block can provide rapid relief, often within minutes to hours after the procedure, allowing patients to experience a potentially dramatic decrease in their symptoms.

Why It Is Safe: The SPG block is a minimally invasive procedure that carries a low risk of complications. When performed fluoroscopically, the precision of needle placement reduces the risk of accidental injury to surrounding tissues and ensures accuracy and precision. The risks such as minor bleeding, infection, or short-lived discomfort are generally low. The procedure does not involve long-term medication use, thus avoiding systemic side effects and providing a safe alternative for patients who may not tolerate or respond to standard pain medications.