Diagnosis of various types of headaches and migraines can be very difficult and misdiagnosis is common. It is well known that almost 100% of all headaches are Trigeminal Nerve Innervated and that there is often a large autonomic component.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion (Pterygopalatine Ganglion, SPG)) Blocks are one of the safest approaches to treatment and also one of the most effective.
Should there be a new diagnostic breakdown that looks at all headaches as positive or negative responders to Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks.
The Sphenopalatine Ganglion is the largest Parasympathetic Ganglion of the head and contains post ganglionic fibers from the superior cervical sympathetic chain and the Stellate Ganglion as well as somatosensory nerves. It is located in the pterygopalatine fossa on the maxillary division of the Trigeminal nerve.
Hemicrania Continua is often diagnosed by response to Indomethacin. The diagnosis is confirmed by response to the drug or treatment.
Hemicrania Continua also frequently responds to Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks with 2% Lidocaine as do many other types of headaches and migraines.
Changing the diagnostic work up of all headache patients to include diagnostic testing with Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks is a logical low risk method seperating responders form non-responders with a safe and effective treatment.