Migraine Treatment
Migraines affect millions of Americans and are often resistant to medical therapy. A special device called SphenoCath offers a safe, simple, fast and affordable option for immediate and long-term relief. This specially designed catheter is inserted into the nasal cavity after local anesthetic has been administered, effectively “resetting” chaotic signal impulse conduction, which is believed to be the cause of migraines, chronic headaches and facial pain.
A new option for relief.
SphenoCath is a simple device that directs anesthetic in the nasal cavity to the sphenopalatine ganglion, which is a collection of nerve cells located just under the tissue lining the back of the nose. Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SPG Block) is a quick outpatient procedure that does not involve painful needles; instead, one of our experienced vascular and interventional radiologists uses fluoroscopic guidance to place the small curved catheter. It’s proven to provide immediate relief for migraines that in some cases lasts weeks to months. This treatment can also help some patients with cluster headaches and other types of facial pain. Call Eastern Radiologists Interventional Radiology to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Millions of Americans suffer from episodic and chronic migraine and cluster headaches, as well as other debilitating pain such as irregular facial pain and pain caused by failed dental procedures. In the past, conventional pain management strategies were largely ineffective for a significant number of sufferers, and treatment options did not keep pace with other medical advancements. Leading prescription drugs often only provide marginal relief with significant costs and/or side effects.
With the patient lying comfortably on their back, the nasal cavity is numbed and then the device is inserted into the nasal cavity where the inner catheter is extended, allowing a local anesthetic to be delivered. The procedure is then repeated on the other nostril. Once complete, the patient must remain in the same position for 7 to 10 minutes to allow absorption into the cavity.
Careful tracking of the procedure throughout the US and beyond has demonstrated exceptional patient tolerance and no reported adverse events or reactions. It’s been consistently effective in providing immediate and long-term relief. Benefits of SPG Block include:
- Relief with no needles
- Less risk
- Better results
- Simple
- Fast
- Effective
- Affordable
Currently insurance carriers, including Medicare and Medicaid, are not covering this procedure.
Interventional radiologists are specially trained physicians who use small catheters, stents and other minimally invasive devices, while watching their progress on X-ray or other imaging equipment, to diagnose and treat conditions. Typically, the interventional radiologist performs procedures through a very small nick in the skin. Interventional radiology treatments are generally better tolerated than surgery because they involve no surgical incisions, less pain and shorter hospital stays. Your interventional radiologist will work closely with your doctor or other health care provider to be sure you receive the best possible care.
Schedule an Appointment
Please have your doctor schedule your appointment for this service. If you have questions about your appointment or need to reschedule call 252.752.5000. This service is offered at the following locations:
Preparing for your appointment
Please bring all medications to your appointment. No special preparation is needed for this procedure.