SPG Block for Migraines: Benefits, Side Effects, How it Works

The American Migraine Foundation understands the importance of migraine relief to one’s health and well-being. Statistics show that at least one in 10 people worldwide have migraine attacks. This condition can prevent you from functioning. One recommended solution to this condition is sphenopalatine ganglion or SPG block. Knowing its benefits, side effects, and function can help you prepare for your treatment. Here are the details. 

The Benefits

Strong pain relievers can prevent migraines from disrupting your life. Even if the pain disappears, you will still not function the same way as you do without pain. Surgery is not an ideal solution because it is invasive. SPG block is a proven, lasting, and safe treatment with the following benefits:
 

• It does not need surgery or medications

• It is noninvasive

• It does not have serious side effects

• It uses FDA-approved devices

• It is covered by most big insurance companies

The Side Effects

Research reveals that the side effects of SPG block are almost nearly positive. Patients often say they feel a general feeling of peace and calmness and that their anxiety and tensions fade away. Elevated blood pressure stabilizes as well. 
 

After the treatment, patients report feeling energized. Some like to administer SPG block before bed, while others want it after waking up. Studies show that this migraine therapy removes stress eating because it ends stress. It can decrease phobias before a specific situation, such as public speaking or flying.
 

Negative side effects depend on the method of administration. There could be bruising or light-headedness after SPG block injections. Temporary numbness and a bitter taste can come after a drip into the throat or mouth. Administration through nasal catheters can result in specks of bleeding or nasal irritation. SPG blocks tend to stimulate sinus drainage at first but decrease chronic sinus problems over time. Chronic rhinitis or sinusitis improves later on in many patients. 

How It Works

Your SPG has attachments to your brainstem, which is where migraine and cluster attacks often happen. It also connects to your meninges, which are the coverings of the brain. The blood vessels open and swell up around the meninges. These meninges activate pain receptors. The trigeminal nerves transmit pain impulses to the brain’s sensory area. The brain then perceives these impulses as pain. The nerves that carry pain signals go through the SPG.
 

An SPG block is a procedure that stops the transmission of pain by numbing the nerve. The doctor will administer the anesthetic agent to the nerve cluster in the SPG. The nose is the least invasive entry point for this. This method of administration will result in a numbing sensation while you swallow, as well as light-headedness and bleeding from your nose. These side effects will disappear in minutes or a few hours. 
 

An SPG block may be the treatment that you need for your chronic migraine. At ReAlignMed, we help our patients regain their health and well-being through our safe and effective treatments. Feel free to visit our facility in Chicago, Illinois, for an in-person consultation. Please call 773-917-0900 to set an appointment or ask about our SPG block treatment packages.