A Novel Method of Noninvasive Sphenopalatine Ganglion Stimulation in Craniofacial Pain: Case Series and Literature Review
Abstract
Background: Implanted sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) stimulation is a well-established treatment for cluster headaches, but its use in other headache disorders remains limited. The development of noninvasive, transmucosal SPG stimulation offers a potential alternative to implanted SPG stimulation devices that eliminates the need for an invasive implantation procedure, which could expand its indications beyond cluster headaches. With this proof-of-concept study including a case series and a literature review, we aimed to determine the safety and clinical effectiveness of noninvasive SPG stimulation in patients with craniofacial pain and especially refractory facial pain.
Materials and methods: The MEDLINE (PubMed) data base was queried using predefined search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria for studies of SPG for headache and facial pain. The search period was not limited. Furthermore, a retrospective, single-center, single-arm study was performed. Patient recruitment was conducted in April 2024. Patients with chronic facial pain, with pain duration >12 months and refractory to pharmacologic, interventional, and neurosurgical treatment, were eligible. Noninvasive, transmucosal SPG stimulation was performed using a flexible nasal electrode, guided under fluoroscopy during the first session, and for eight to 12 months repeated at individual intervals based on clinical response. Safety was assessed by collecting data on adverse events and complications. For the assessment…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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