Sphenopalatine Ablation for Headache

The sphenopalatine ganglion, which is located just behind the maxillary sinus, behind the cheek, can carry the pain information for multiple disorders, including atypical facial pain, post herpetic neuralgia, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches.

• Diagnose the cause of pain in the face and head.
• Manage the pain of certain types of chronic headaches.
• Manage sympathetically maintained facial pain.

During a sphenopalatine ganglion block, pain-relieving medicine is injected to the region where the ganglion lies, using X-ray (fluoroscopy) guidance, a fine needle is placed near the SPG and medicine is injected.

Injections and radiofrequency ablation of the sphenopalatine are easily performed and can provide definitive therapy for conditions, which are otherwise very difficult to control.