Transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block for the treatment of postdural puncture headache in the ED

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH), also known as spinal headache, is a common complication associated with neuraxial anesthesia and diagnostic lumbar puncture. Autologous epidural blood patch is considered the definitive treatment for PDPH with efficacy greater than 75%; but it is an invasive procedure that carries the same risks as other epidural procedures, including dural puncture, infection, and neurologic complications [1–3]. Transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) has been traditionally used to treat chronic conditions such as migraine, cluster headache, trigeminal neuralgia, and atypical facial pain [4], and has also been used with good results in a recent case series to treat acute PDPH headache in obstetric patients [5].
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research