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Patient-administered Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block
  1. Edouard Saade, M.D. and
  2. Glenn B. Paige, M.D.
  1. Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
  1. Reprint requests: Edouard Saade, M.D., Attn: Editorial Office, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, P.O. Box 100254, Gainesville, FL 32610-0254.

Abstract

Background and Objectives Pain resulting from head and neck cancer can be severe and difficult to manage. Avoiding hospitalization for as long as possible with a reasonable level of comfort requires a number of therapeutic modalities. The usefulness of self-administered sphenopalatine ganglion block was evaluated in a patient with lethal midline granuloma requiring large doses of morphine.

Methods A 30-year-old woman with intractable pain from lethal midline granuloma was taught to self-administer 4% lidocaine, 1.5 mL topically into each nostril three times per day.

Results A 3-month follow-up examination showed substantial pain relief and reduction in morphine requirement. No adverse side effects or complications developed.

Conclusions In certain patients, sphenopalatine ganglion block can be effectively self-administered at home to manage chronic pain.

  • cancer
  • lidocaine
  • pain
  • sphenopalatine ganglion block

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