The ultrasound-guided percutaneous suprazygomatic pterygopalatine ganglion block (PPGB) is a low-risk procedure that is relatively easy, quick, and painless. The procedure is used to manage chronic, acute, perioperative, and postoperative pain and is particularly helpful for treating primary headache disorders.
So effective is the block for treating primary headaches that it has been included in most of the Lumina Primary Headache Care Plans. Essentially, the block is performed by injecting a local anesthetic agent into the pterygopalatine fossa, which houses the ganglion. We spoke to two Lumina Sages about treating primary headaches with a pterygopalatine ganglion block: Prof. André Boezaart M.D., Ph.D. and Dr. Cam Smith M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Cam Smith M.D., PH.D. tells us a bit more about how PPGB works in the following video.
We have developed a short course to help you master the theory of the PPGB procedure, available on the Lumina Medical Academy. The self-directed learning experience will take you 1-2 hours to complete and will help you understand and perform the PPGB procedure to better treat and manage the pain and other symptoms associated with primary headaches. The course has been designed by Executive Editor Dr. Cam Smith for pain specialists, and neurologists and you can qualify for 2 CPD points for completing it. Find out more about the course here.
