Sphenopalatine ganglion blocks for post-dural puncture headache: A case report in a 3-year-old child

Paediatr Anaesth. 2024 Feb;34(2):182-184. doi: 10.1111/pan.14785. Epub 2023 Oct 20.

Abstract

Post-dural puncture headache is a distressing complication that may occur after lumbar puncture or unintentional dural puncture. Risk factors in the pediatric population have not been well elicited, and the true incidence is unknown. Conservative management includes conservative physical measures and medical therapies. Epidural blood patch remains the gold standard for managing severe refractory headache, but greater occipital nerve blocks and sphenopalatine ganglion blocks have been used with success. Sphenopalatine ganglion blocks are easy to perform, minimally invasive and, in the postoperative setting where epidural analgesia is utilized, provide an alternative that should be considered.

Keywords: epidural anesthesia; pain management; pediatric; post-dural puncture headache.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Analgesia, Epidural* / adverse effects
  • Blood Patch, Epidural
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Post-Dural Puncture Headache* / therapy
  • Risk Factors
  • Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block* / adverse effects
  • Spinal Puncture / adverse effects