CHfather Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 This is one where I'd particularly like to see the whole article. (Research done in France.) Here's what the abstract says: Introduction The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPN) has been proven to be involved in various types of facial pain syndromes. Management of these cranio-facial pain syndromes can be challenging, and existing specific treatments are sometimes inefficient and may fail. The purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate alcohol SPN in the management of cranio-facial pain. Methods Forty-two patients suffering from refractory facial pain who underwent 58 consecutive SPN were included in this study between 2000 and 2013. Patients were divided into three groups: group “cluster headache” (CH), group “persistent idiopathic facial pain” (PFIP), and group “Other”. Pain was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale scores (measured immediately before and after procedure and at regular intervals following the procedure). Alcohol SPN was considered to be effective when pain relief was equal to or greater than 50 % and lasting for at least 1 month. All procedures were realized ambulatory under CT guidance and consisted of an injection of 1 ml of absolute alcohol. Results Overall efficacy rate of alcohol SPN was 67.2 %, with mean pain relief duration of 10.3 months. Procedure was graded either not painful or tolerable by patients in 64.2 %. Analysis showed a higher efficacy rate in the groups CH (76.5 %) and PFIP (85.7 %) compared to the group Other (40 %). No difference was found between groups regarding the recurrence rate. Conclusion Alcohol SPN under CT guidance appears as a safe and effective treatment of refractory facial pain, especially in cases of cluster headache and persistent idiopathic facial pain. http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00234-014-1354-y Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alleyoop Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 Good find CHf!! This is one where I'd particularly like to see the whole article. Agreed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bejeeber Posted May 27, 2014 Share Posted May 27, 2014 Yeah thanks CHf!! So "Alcohol percutaneous neurolysis" is a nerve block using alcohol?....basically you're taking your CH out on a date and getting it drunk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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