The Sphenocath® Procedure
MIGRAINES ARE MORE THAN JUST A HEADACHE
The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a collection of nerve cells located under the tissue lining the back of the nose, that sense face and head pain. Nerve impulses can be temporarily blocked, providing pain relief, by applying a local anesthetic to the bundle of nerves. This procedure is called a sphenopalatine ganglion block.
The SphenoCath® is a device designed specifically for administering a sphenopalatine ganglion block for immediate relief of headache pain, craniofacial pain, facial pain, migraines, or trigeminal neuralgia. Nearly two thirds of patients discontinue migraine or headache prescription medication because of inadequate pain relief or side effects, and there is currently very little to offer chronic headache patients, other than medication. With the SphenoCath®, patients can experience almost immediate pain relief with a simple, gentle, and comfortable in-office procedure.
The SphenoCath® device effectively delivers anesthetic to the SPG block through the nasal cavity without the use of needles or harsh medicine. In the past, this procedure was done by leaving a cotton tipped applicator in the nasal cavity for 20-40 minutes, and was very inaccurate, as well as uncomfortable. The SphenoCath® device transformed the procedure into a quick and effective solution for pain relief. Most patients report that the SphenoCath® device is comfortable, but some patients may feel a brief nasal irritation. A SPG block procedure using the SphenoCath® is both low-risk and effective in patients of all ages.
The device is a small, soft catheter specifically designed for insertion into a patient’s nose. During the procedure, the patient lays in a flat or reclined position, slightly propped up with a pillow under the shoulders. The doctor inserts the catheter into the nasal passage using fluoroscopic guidance. Medication inside the device is delivered to the mucus over the sphenopalatine ganglion, effectively administering a SPG block for migraine or headache pain.
The administration of the anesthetic takes 2-3 minutes, and it is recommended that the patient remains in the procedural position (on his back) for 6-8 minutes after the SPG block is delivered, for optimal results. The procedure, as a whole, can take as little as 15 minutes to provide pain relief.
Because of its effectiveness, patients can expect pain relief for most types of headache pain. Medicare and most insurance companies cover the cost of the procedure. Average patients may need 3-4 treatments in the first year, with effects projected to last longer between each treatment. Risks of using the SphenoCath® include nasal cavity irritation, nosebleeds, or mild pain.
If you, or a loved one, suffer from chronic migraines, craniofacial pain, facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia or headaches, ask your physician for a referral to ECPC Pain Specialists. Then, we can accurately discuss pain levels and past management techniques to decide if a SPG block using the SphenoCath® is right for you.
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SphenoCath®
