Sphenopalatine Ganglion Implicated in Migraines and Cluster Headaches via Cerebrovascular Autonomic Physiology

The pathophysiology or cause of almost all headaches, migraines, cluster headaches and tension-type headache involve the Trigeminal Nerve which can effectively be treated in mane headache sufferers through neuromuscular dentistry. Another pathway of relieving chronic headache pain is by utilizing a SPG or Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block which affects the autonomic nervous system and is readily accessible to dentists with either palatal injection or nasal swab.

Newer techniques involving neurostimulation hold promise but the simple use of lidocaine on a nasal swab often produces miraculous relief for patients. When combined with a diagnostic neuromuscular orthotic a 50 - 80% success rate easily achieved in most patients. The following PubMed abstract discusses possible new avenues of addressing the sphenopalatine ganglion. I would advise patients to start with nasal or palatal block. Nasal blocks are easily learned by patients for home administration and can be used to prophylactically to abort migraines similar to triptans or topomax with fewer side effects.

Prog Neurol Surg. 2011;24:171-9. Epub 2011 Mar 21.

Sphenopalatine ganglion interventions: technical aspects and application.

Oluigbo CO, Makonnen G, Narouze S, Rezai AR.

Source

Department of Neurological Surgery, Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.

Abstract

Recent research has highlighted the important role of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) in cerebrovascular autonomic physiology and in the pathophysiology of cluster and migraine headaches as well as conditions of stroke and cerebral vasospasm. The relatively accessible location of the SPG within the pterygopalatine fossa and the development of options for minimally invasive approaches to the SPG make it an attractive target for neuromodulation approaches. The obvious advantage of SPG stimulation compared to ablative procedures on the SPG such as radiofrequency destruction and stereotactic radiosurgery is its reversibility and adjustable features. The on-going design of strategies for transient and continuous SPG stimulation on as needed basis using implantable SPG stimulators is an exciting new development which is expected to expand the clinical versatility of this technique.

Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID:

21422787

[PubMed - in process]

Accupuncture vs Topiramate: New Study in October Cephalgi ( Oct 21, 2011)Shows Superior Results With Accupunture

Neuromuscular Dentistry and accupuncture bot work by restoring normal physiologic states to the body compared to drug treatments that can destroy chemical balance. The current study shows accupuncture to be superior to topiramate but of greater importance is the frequency of side effects. (abstract below)

I will state that Neuromuscular Diagnostic orthotics almost always give better results than either therapy. I frequently work with patients on extremely high levels of medication that is gradually reduced by their physician following treatment. One of the most difficult issues in treating headache patients is medication withdrawal.

Topiramate had adverse events or side effects in 66% of patients compared to 6% in accupuncture group. This level of side effects for drug therapy is enormous considering it did not work as well as accupunture.

The reduction in headaches days was significantly greater with accupuncture.

Cephalalgia. 2011 Oct 21. [Epub ahead of print]

Acupuncture versus topiramate in chronic migraine prophylaxis: A randomized clinical trial.

Yang CP, Chang MH, Liu PE, Li TC, Hsieh CL, Hwang KL, Chang HH.

Source

Kuang Tien General Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taiwan.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of acupuncture compared with topiramate treatment in chronic migraine (CM) prophylaxis. Methods: A total of 66 consecutive and prospective CM patients were randomly divided into two treatment arms: 1) acupuncture group: acupuncture administered in 24 sessions over 12 weeks (n = 33); and 2) topiramate group: a 4-week titration, initiated at 25 mg/day and increased by 25 mg/day weekly to a maximum of 100 mg/day followed by an 8-week maintenance period (n = 33). Results: A significantly larger decrease in the mean monthly number of moderate/severe headache days (primary end point) from 20.2 ± 1.5 days to 9.8 ± 2.8 days was observed in the acupuncture group compared with 19.8 ± 1.7 days to 12.0 ± 4.1 days in the topiramate group (p < .01) Significant differences favoring acupuncture were also observed for all secondary efficacy variables. These significant differences still existed when we focused on those patients who were overusing acute medication. Adverse events occurred in 6% of acupuncture group and 66% of topiramate group. Conclusion: We suggest that acupuncture could be considered a treatment option for CM patients willing to undergo this prophylactic treatment, even for those patients with medication overuse.

PMID:

22019576

[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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