Sphenopalatine ganglion block vs greater occipital nerve block in the management of post dural puncture headache in obstetric patients: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: With the increased popularity of spinal anesthesia for a variety of surgeries, the anesthesiologists have to face the increased incidence of post dural puncture headache (PDPH). It is especially cumbersome to the obstetric patients. A variety of management techniques have been used. We compared the efficacy of sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB) versus greater occipital nerve block (GONB) for the management of PDPH in obstetric cases.

Methodology: This prospective, randomized trial, enrolled 120 PDPH cases into two groups. The SPGB group received bilateral SPGB with a 3 ml mixture of 2% lidocaine and 4 mg dexamethasone (in each nostril). In the GONB group, the greater occipital nerves were blocked utilizing a solution of 3 ml mixture of 2% lidocaine and 4 mg dexamethasone on each side. Prior to the procedure, a pain score on numerical pain scale (NPS) was reported. Pain scores were noted at 15 and 30 min, then at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h after the intervention. Need for and cumulative dose of analgesics used were recorded. Complications, patient satisfaction, hospital stay for epidural blood patch (EBP), and hospital discharges were also recorded.

Results: Pain perception in upright position at 30 min and at 2, 16, and 24 h, the need for rescue analgesia and the cumulative analgesic dose within 24 h were significantly lower in SPGB group. Bitter taste was significantly more frequently complained by the patients of SPGB group. In the SPGB group, the EBP was not significantly less prevalent. In the SPGB group, patient satisfaction was noticeably greater.

Conclusion: The sphenopalatine ganglion block is more effective in relieving PDPH and its associated symptoms than the greater occipital nerve block. Both procedures are easy, safe, more conservative than EBP, and without serious adverse effects. The sphenopalatine ganglion block can be recommended as a first line treatment for PDPH.

Abbreviations: ASA: American Association of Anesthesiologists; CI: Confidence Interval; CSF: Cerebral Spinal Fluid; EBP: Epidural Blood Patch; GON: Greater Occipital Nerve; GONB: Greater Occipital Nerve Block; PDPH: Post-Dural Puncture Headache; RR: Relative Risk; SPGB: Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block; NPS: Numerical Pain Scale

Key words: Nerve Block; Obstetrical Analgesia; Post-Dural Puncture Headache; Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block

Citation: Abdelrazik RA, Toulan HF, Ayoub SNB, Sphenopalatine ganglion block vs greater occipital nerve block in the management of post dural puncture headache in obstetric patients: a randomized clinical trial. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(1):68-73; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i1.2143

Received: January 27, 2023; Reviewed: March 02, 2023; Accepted: March 02, 2023