This procedure may be performed as a way to combat pain caused by chronic headaches that don’t respond to other methods of treatment.
The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a bundle of nerves located in the head, behind the nose. It’s composed of sensory nerves that transfer signals and information to the brain as well as autonomic nerves, which control nasal congestion and the production of tears. The trigeminal nerve connects the SPG to the brain stem, and is a main nerve in the production of headaches.
For this method of treatment, anesthetic may be applied to the SPG via a cotton swab via the nostrils. The anesthetic covers the SPG, and eliminates the pain caused by the heachache.
