Efficacy and potency of sphenopalatine ganglion block for the management of postdural puncture headaches in post-cesarean section: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Spinal anesthesia is a widely practiced anesthetic technique during cesarean section but is associated with the risk of postdural puncture headache (PDPH). This article reports a case of refractory PDPH following a cesarean section that achieved immediate pain relief after a sphenopalatine ganglion block (SPGB). SPGB has been proposed as a non-invasive alternative to the traditional epidural blood patch for nonobstetrical PDPH, nonetheless, it is a procedure not commonly performed by obstetricians. By targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion, SPGB offers a viable treatment option for PDPH and provides immediate relief to patients. This case report and literature review suggest that SPGB is a promising, effective, and safe approach for managing PDPH after cesarean section. Considering SPGB as an alternative to epidural blood patch, obstetricians can offer noninvasive treatment options for patients with PDPH.