Why do you need IV Therapy ?
Acute migraine episode lasting anywhere from 24 to 72 hours, week duration failing to respond to abortives accompanied by severe pain 8-10/10 intensity, nausea and debilitation. Migraines tends to become more difficult to treat as it becomes more prolonged and more severe with time. Nausea is most common with acute migraine which leads to poor oral intake and causes dehydration which further worsens the migraine and is harder to treat.
What is an SPG Block?
Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) is a group of nerve cells linked to the Trigeminal nerve, which is the main nerve involved during a headache. SPG is located behind the nose which carries sensation, including pain and also plays a role in autonomic functions (tearing & nasal congestion). An SPG block is an application of a local anesthetics (or numbing medications) to block or partially block the SPG which in turn reduces head and facial pain.
IV Treatment effectively manages the acute pain, nausea, dehydration and in many cases either decreases the pain intensity or renders complete relief from the pain.
Core Principles of IV treatment along with SPG block
- Ensure adequate hydration through IV fluids
- Counteract nausea with antiemetic agent
- Reduction or elimination of the acute pain through IV NSAID / SPG block
- Reduction or elimination of the pain through application of local anesthetics.
Contact The Manhattan Center for Headache and Neurology is you are experiencing an episode of acute migraine to learn if you are a candidate for IV/SPG treatment.
By: Rajni Bala, FNP