SPG-sphenopalatine ganglion block
Has anyone had a SPG block? That is short for sphenopalatine ganglion block. They go up your nose and inject something that is suppose to help migraines and other ailments. I have chronic migraines and have been getting SPGs for about 8 months. The last two times I have had the procedure I have suffered some fairly severe nasal irritation with drainage and dizziness. I believe the blocks did help at first but now it doesn't seem worth it due to the adverse effects. If anyone else has had this procedure and have or haven't had these effects, please comment. Thanks.
I have had them. The first one was great, after that not so much. I was I wasn't getting pain relief but I WAS getting really bad side effects. Turns out, I have a hole in my sinus cavity and the med was draining into my cheek causing facial numbness and dropping, but no pain relief(can you say stroke?) the doctor was super concerned and that's how we found out about the hole. The first time he just got lucky with how high/deep he went and med got to the right spot. Another idea's a bust. Story of my life!
I know how you feel. It seems like there should be better treatments for migraines. According to a doctor I saw at Cleveland Clinic, there is a lot for the medical community to learn about migraines. Hopefully they will come up with better treatments soon. Thanks for the reply.
I had the procedure done. It did help briefly - I had one or two headache free days before they returned. Unfortunately, the physician performing the procedure told me I was not a candidate for further treatments. I developed severe dizziness after the procedure and began vomiting every time I moved my head. The working theory was that lidocaine had tracked up my Eustachian tube into my middle ear, and from there affected my inner ear.
I would not use my experiences as a reason not to get the procedure done, as the physician and his colleagues had never seen this happen before.
Not a problem with controlled delivery with cotton-tipped catheters
Look into Self-Administration of the blocks with cotton-tipped catheters. You will need to be taught the procedure and 2% lidocaine requires a prescription.
The procedure is safe and effective and tends to increase effectiveness with multiple applications.
Side effects include decreased anxiety and will relieve about 1/3 of cases of essential hypertension.
