The Spenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Block was first discussed in the literature in 1908. It was described by Sluder for treatment symptoms that may have been a TMJ disorder, possibly migraine or cluster headaches. These disorders were named Sluder's Neuralgia.
SPG Blocks are the most common method of treating the Ganglion but Stimulation is currently where there is also a great deal of cutting edge research.
The Sphenopalatine Ganglion or SPG is also known as the Pterygopalatine Ganglion, The Nasal Ganglion, Meckels Ganglion or simply Sluder's Ganglion.
The Ganglion is found in the Pterygopalatine fossa and is accessible by many means for blocking with anesthetic solutions. The Maxillary branch of the Trigeminal nerve and the maxillary rtery are also found in the fossa.
The most effective method is an injection into the pterygoid fissue a relatively easy when a supra-zygomatic approach is utilized. Dentists are very familiar with palatal injections at the greater palatine foramen for dental anesthesia but can also block the SPG utilizing an injection deep into the greater palatine canal.
There have recently been many new devices developed for performing SPG Blocks including the Sphenocath, The Allevio and the TX360. The TX360 is is the specific device described for use with MiRx protocol for prention of cluster headaches and migraines. All three devices are effective and are used to deposit anesthetic into the posterior nasal cavity on the nasal mucosa over the anterior wall of the pterygopalatine fossa.
My preferred method of doing SPG Blocks that I have taught to hundreds of clinicians and patients is with cotton-tipped nasal catheters that offer continual capillary feed of anesthetic to the nasal mucosa over the ganglion. This is the ideal method to for teaching self administration to patients, the most successful way to address the ganglion.
This method is so extremely successful because patients can do it as needed to control and prevent pain, anxiety and depression. It has an added advantage of being extremely affordable and cost effective for both patients and insurance companies.
Stimulation of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion is currently a very high interest for many medical devices manufacturers however there a SPG stimulator on the market that is non-invasive and has a fifty year record of safety and efficacy for treatment of Headaches, and Migraines as well as TMJ disorders but one company, Myotronics has manufactured a device that utilizes ultra-low frequency TENS to stimulate the Sphenopalatine Ganglion for over 50 years.
The Myomonitor is the device and it is specifically designed to stimulat trigeminal nerves bilaterally and simultaneously. However, while not marketed as a SPG stimulator it may be one of the best available.
SPG Blocks are the most common method of treating the Ganglion but Stimulation is currently where there is also a great deal of cutting edge research.
The Sphenopalatine Ganglion or SPG is also known as the Pterygopalatine Ganglion, The Nasal Ganglion, Meckels Ganglion or simply Sluder's Ganglion.
The Ganglion is found in the Pterygopalatine fossa and is accessible by many means for blocking with anesthetic solutions. The Maxillary branch of the Trigeminal nerve and the maxillary rtery are also found in the fossa.
The most effective method is an injection into the pterygoid fissue a relatively easy when a supra-zygomatic approach is utilized. Dentists are very familiar with palatal injections at the greater palatine foramen for dental anesthesia but can also block the SPG utilizing an injection deep into the greater palatine canal.
There have recently been many new devices developed for performing SPG Blocks including the Sphenocath, The Allevio and the TX360. The TX360 is is the specific device described for use with MiRx protocol for prention of cluster headaches and migraines. All three devices are effective and are used to deposit anesthetic into the posterior nasal cavity on the nasal mucosa over the anterior wall of the pterygopalatine fossa.
My preferred method of doing SPG Blocks that I have taught to hundreds of clinicians and patients is with cotton-tipped nasal catheters that offer continual capillary feed of anesthetic to the nasal mucosa over the ganglion. This is the ideal method to for teaching self administration to patients, the most successful way to address the ganglion.
This method is so extremely successful because patients can do it as needed to control and prevent pain, anxiety and depression. It has an added advantage of being extremely affordable and cost effective for both patients and insurance companies.
Stimulation of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion is currently a very high interest for many medical devices manufacturers however there a SPG stimulator on the market that is non-invasive and has a fifty year record of safety and efficacy for treatment of Headaches, and Migraines as well as TMJ disorders but one company, Myotronics has manufactured a device that utilizes ultra-low frequency TENS to stimulate the Sphenopalatine Ganglion for over 50 years.
The Myomonitor is the device and it is specifically designed to stimulat trigeminal nerves bilaterally and simultaneously. However, while not marketed as a SPG stimulator it may be one of the best available.
