A new article published in June looks at Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Blocks as a treatment of choice for headache management.
This treatment will apply to Hemicrania continua; Migraine headache; Paroxysmal hemicrania; Sphenopalatine ganglion block; Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias as well as muscle contraction headaches and tension and sinus headaches
The article discusses combining SPG Blocks and combining with Stimulation utilizing stimulation of the SPG. This is exactly the technique that I have been utilizing in my office for over 30 years but never actually looked at the fact that the SPG is stimulated by the Myomonitor.
Neuromuscular Dentists utilize the Myomonitor ULF-TENS to relax muscles innervated by the 5th and 7th nerves (Trigeminal and facial nerves) but because of the position of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion on the Maxillary branch of the Trigeminal Nerve pulsing with the myomonitor serves as an efficient means of providing SPG Stimulation.
The Myominitor has over 50 years of safe usage by neuromucular dentists.
There are many ways to perform Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks both transnasal and by injection thru the mouth or via a suprazygomatic approach.
There are numerous patient testimonials about neuromuscular dentistry, sphenopalatine ganglion blocks and the two techniques used in combination on my youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk9Bfz6pklC7_UluWFHzLrg/videos
Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2017 Jun;21(6):27. doi: 10.1007/s11916-017-0626-8.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block in the Management of Chronic Headaches.
Mojica J1, Mo B1, Ng A2.
Author information
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW:
Sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block has been used by clinicians in the treatment of a variety of headache disorders, facial pain syndromes, and other facial neuralgias. The sensory and autonomic fibers that travel through the SPG provided the scientific rationale for symptoms associated with these head and neck syndromes. Yet, despite the elucidation of this pathogenic target, the optimal method to block its pain-producing properties has not been determined. Clinicians have developed various invasive and non-invasive techniques, each of which has shown variable rates of success. We examined the available studies of sphenopalatine ganglion blockade and its efficacy in the treatment of cluster headaches, migraines, and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias.
RECENT FINDINGS:
Studies have demonstrated that SPG blockade and neurostimulation can provide pain relief in patients with cluster headaches, migraines, and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. Patients with these conditions showed varying levels and duration of pain relief from SPG blockade. The efficacy of SPG blockade could be related to the different techniques targeting the SPG and choice of therapeutic agents. Based on current studies, SPG blockade is a safe and effective treatment for chronic headaches such as cluster headaches, migraines, and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias. Future studies are warranted to define the optimal image-guided technique and choice of pharmacologic agents for SPG blockade as an effective treatment for chronic headaches related to activation of the sphenopalatine ganglion.
KEYWORDS:
Cluster headache; Hemicrania continua; Migraine headache; Paroxysmal hemicrania; Sphenopalatine ganglion block; Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias
