The effectiveness of sphenopalatine ganglion block and its assessment to
the quality of life in patients of chronic migraine.
Abstract
Background: Migraine is a multifactorial disorder in which
headaches usually last from 4 to 72 hours. Sphenopalatine ganglion
blockage (SPGB) has been used as a minimal invasive method for
alleviating pain in severe headaches. Aim: We discuss our
technique of performing SPGB and assessment of pain relief, before and
after its application. We have also made an effort to study the
prevalence of depression and quality of life by scoring patients of
chronic migraine and assess how SPGB helps to reduce the incidence of
depression and quality of life. Material and methods:
Observational and interventional clinical study. Pain scores were
recorded using the numeric rating score (NRS) prior to and 15 minutes
after SPGB. Patients were also assessed for prevalence of depression and
quality of life – based on 2 questionnaires (PHQ-9 and WHO-5) – before
and 2 weeks after performing SPGB. Results: After intervention by
SPGB, there was a statistically significant (p value <0.001)
reduction of pain, the mean scores reduced from 7.41 +/- 2 to
2.02 +/- 1.57. Improvement in quality of life and a statistically
significant reduction of depression scores after intervention were seen.
The prevalence of depression significantly decreased after SPGB.
Conclusion: SPGB is a minimally invasive, effective, focused and
practical treatment for migraines. Improved quality of life and
likelihood of reduction of depressive symptoms after SPGB will also
alter the overall well-being of these patients.