Efficacy and potency of sphenopalatine ganglion block for the management of postdural puncture headaches in post-cesarean section: A case report and literature review.

Journal: The Journal Of Obstetrics And Gynaecology Research
Published:
Abstract

Spinal anesthesia is a widely practiced anesthetic technique during cesarean section but is associated with the risk of postdural puncture headache (PDPH). This article reports a case of refractory PDPH following a cesarean section that achieved immediate pain relief after a sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB). SPGB has been proposed as a non-invasive alternative to the traditional epidural blood patch for nonobstetrical PDPH, nonetheless, it is a procedure not commonly performed by obstetricians. By targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion, SPGB offers a viable treatment option for PDPH and provides immediate relief to patients. This case report and literature review suggest that SPGB is a promising, effective, and safe approach for managing PDPH after cesarean section. Considering SPGB as an alternative to epidural blood patch, obstetricians can offer noninvasive treatment options for patients with PDPH.

Authors
Michael Hara, Kiichiro Furuya, Kenji Kishida, Saya Yamashita, Shunji Kobayashi, Kazuhide Ogita