Migraine and Anxiety are linked by the involvement of the Trigeminal Nerve and particularly the sympathetic autonomic nerves that pass thru the SphenoPalatine Ganglion (SPG). The American Migraine Foundation believes that the majority of Migrainers (50-60%) also have anxiety disorders. Migraine patients who do not have anxiety disorders frequently will experience anxiety during a migraine attack or even with prodromal symptoms.
Anxiety and Depression are also related and about 25-30% of Migraine patients have both Anxiety and Depression making treatment and management of migraine far more difficult. Special care should be exercised in these patients who are at high risk for progressing to Chronic Migraine as well as Intractable / Refractory Chronic daily headache or New Persistent Daily Headache.
These patients often present with symptoms of Sympathetic Overload or Autonomic Dysregulation which can cause:
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Chest tightness
- Sensation of throat closing
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Double vision
- Sweating
- Difficulty thinking
- Cold hands and feet
Hypervigilance and Catastrophizing often leaves patients consumed with fear and feelings of hopelessness. Depression can become severe and suicidal ideations may occur but are often denied by patients. The stimulation or blocking of this ganglion
The SOAP approach to diagnosis can help overcome these issues but due to insurance issues and financial obstacles most doctors are typically rushed for time.
S. or Subjective considerations are often the most important part of an evaluation and require a significant amount of face to face physician patient time.
O. or Objective findings are usually secondary. CAT Scans, MRIs, Blood Panels and other objective tests based on Subjective Evaluation are ordered.
A. Assessment is the actual process of integrating both the subjective & objective data. Unfortunately, both objective tests ordered and assessment
are compromised due to insufficient time spent gathering Subjective data.
P. Plan is the method to address these issues.
Medication Management has become the "Norm" for treating these problems but an older procedure called a SphenoPalatine Ganglion Block (Pterygopalatine Ganglion, Nasal Ganglion or SPG) may be the best first line treatment. Prior to the explosion of pharmaceuticals available this procedure was routinely used to treat and eliminate a wide variety of conditions including Headache, Migraine, Cluster Headache, Sluder's Neuralgia, Trigeminal Neuralgia and a variety of ear pains, eye pains and sinus pains.
The Sphenopalatine Blocks have also been shown to treat anxiety and depression as well as PTSD. Another Autonomic block the Stellate Ganglion Block has shown promise as a "One Shot Cure for PTSD"
The SPG Block was the subject of a 1986 book called "Miracles on Park Avenue" about Milton Reder who utilized only SPG blocks and treated patients from around the world. In 1930 Hiram Byrd MD wrote an article called Sphenopalatine Phenomena detailing the amazing results of over 10,000 SPG Blocks in over 2000 patients. Dr Greenfield Sluder first described the Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block in 1903 and in 1918 wrote the book "Concerning Some Headaches and Eye Disorders of Nasal Origin" and in 1927 the book "Nasal Neurology: Headaches and Eye Disorders"
These blocks have resurfaced in 21st century medicine after the introduction of three new FDA devices to deliver the blocks, the Sphenocath, the Allevip and the TX 360. They are utilized for treating Intractable and refractory headaches and Migraines, https://www.sphenopalatineganglionblocks.com/intractable-headaches-migraines-sphenopalatine-ganglion-spg-blocks-may-fastest-safest-treatment/.
Self Administration of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks have enormous potential for decreasing and eliminating pain and anxiety and many other problems. The effect on quality of life is exceptional because patients are now in control of their pain without dangerous or addictive medication. The vale of eliminating trips to the ER and time spent in hospital and physicians offices waiting for treatment is incalcuable.
A recent editorial declared the Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block a medical miracle that is vastly underutilized.
https://www.sphenopalatineganglionblocks.com/sphenopalatine-ganglion-block-underutilized-tool-pain-management/
Another recent article showed that SPG Blocks could eliminate about a third of Essential Hypertension cases. https://www.sphenopalatineganglionblocks.com/new-studies-point-common-etiologic-cause-migraines-essential-hypertension-spg-blocks-missing-piece/
An article in December 2017 did a complete review of the science and treatments associated with the Sphenopalatine Ganglion..
https://www.sphenopalatineganglionblocks.com/sphenopalatine-ganglion-block-radiofrequency-ablation-neurostimulation-systematic-review/
Neuromuscular Dentistry has always been extremely predictable in treating chronic head and neck pain associated with TMJ and occlusal causes. Much of the success in Neuromuscular Dentistry in eliminating headaches and migraines is probably due to the fact that the Myomonitor, which relaxes muscles innervated by the facial and trigeminal nerves also acts as a Neuromodulation device on the Sphenopalatine Ganglion.
The Myomonitor has an incredible history of safe use for over 50 years to relax muscles and modulate the Sphenopalatine Ganglion. It is not sold or marketed for Neuromodulation of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion.
I routinely treat a wide variety of issues relating to TMJ disorders, MPD and Orofacial and Craniofacial Pain with Neuromusclar Dentistry, beginning with a diagnostic orthotic. I teach these patients to Self Administer Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks with cotton tipped nasal catheters in my Highland Park, Il office..Visit www.ThinkBetterLife.com to learn more.
I routinely treat a wide variety of issues relating to TMJ disorders, MPD and Orofacial and Craniofacial Pain with Neuromusclar Dentistry, beginning with a diagnostic orthotic. I teach these patients to Self Administer Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks with cotton tipped nasal catheters in my Highland Park, Il office..Visit www.ThinkBetterLife.com to learn more.
This link is to 32 patient testimonials of patients who utilize SPG Blocks.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5ERlVdJLdtllxAN1QwD7JU7Qo_ISoqvt
