Advanced Medical Imaging (AMI) is the only physician’s office in the region offering the new SphenoCath procedure that provides most patients with immediate relief of headache pain with a simple, gentle, and comfortable in-office procedure that generally only takes about 10-15 minutes. A majority of patients experience immediate relief utilizing this new technique, Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SPG Block), which utilizes the SphenoCath procedure and is safe for adults and children—even for pregnant women. SphenoCath treats even the most painful headaches, including migraines, cluster headaches and trigeminal neuralgia.
Are you a candidate for a Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block?
If you suffer from headaches, craniofacial pain, facial pain, migraines or trigeminal neuralgia, these are all common ailments that can be treated by a SPG Block. This new technique is performed by AMI’s Interventional Radiologists, Dr. Eric Vander Woude and Dr. Rahul Razdan, using the SphenoCath.
What are Interventional Radiologists?
Interventional Radiologists are board-certified physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. They offer the most in-depth knowledge of the least invasive treatments coupled with diagnostic and clinical experience across all specialties. They use X-rays, CT, MRI, and other diagnostic imaging equipment to guide tiny instruments, such as tiny needles or catheters, through blood vessels or through the skin to treat diseases without surgery. Today, many conditions that once required surgery can be treated nonsurgically by Interventional Radiologists.
What is SphenoCath?
The SphenoCath is a small soft tube specifically designed to be inserted into a patient’s nose as they lie on their back and deliver medications precisely and consistently to the area of the sphenopalatine ganglion. It is a directed, no-needle therapy for migraine headaches and trigeminal neuralgia.
How does a Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block work?
A ganglion is a collection of nerve cells that help to regulate certain functions within your body. The sphenopalatine ganglion or SPG is located in the back of the nose, and it plays a role in many different types of headaches. The medication used is intended to temporarily block the function of the SPG. This is a relatively quick and simple procedure that will improve your quality of life if you suffer from repeated headaches or facial pain.
How is a Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block accomplished?
A flexible SphenoCath catheter is placed into the nasal passages under fluoroscopic guidance, and then a medication is delivered to the mucosa over the sphenopalatine ganglion effectively delivering a SPG Block for migraine pain without the use of needles, cotton swabs or harsh medicines. In most instances, patients can resume their normal activities within 15-20 minutes.
What should you expect during the procedure?
In most cases, the provider will pre-medicate with a topical anesthetic gel directly onto the nose. Some patients will experience an unpleasant taste in their mouth or a temporary unpleasant numbness in their throat after the procedure. Some will feel difficulty in swallowing; however, this will resolve itself in a few minutes. Generally there is very little discomfort with the procedure.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call the Advanced Medical Imaging team at (402) 484-6677 or visit www.amimaging.com.