Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Block for Headache
An SPG block delivers numbing medicine through your nose to a bundle of nerve cells that plays a part in head and face pain. At our office it involves no needles.
What is an SPG block?
The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a bundle of nerve cells that sits behind your nose. A ganglion is simply a cluster of nerve cells. The SPG is connected to the trigeminal nerve, which has branches in the face and head.
Because of this link, numbing the SPG with a local anesthetic can reduce pain. That is the idea behind an SPG block. It is one of the most common “interventional” headache treatments, meaning a procedure done in the office rather than a pill. Others include peripheral nerve blocks and trigger point injections.
The American Migraine Foundation notes that three devices approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are on the market for this. Each uses a thin plastic tube placed in the nose to deliver the medicine near the SPG.
Which conditions it is used for
According to the American Migraine Foundation, the most common conditions treated with SPG blocks are:
- Cluster headache and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, a group of related headache disorders that includes hemicrania continua and SUNCT and SUNA.
- Trigeminal neuralgia and other facial pain conditions.
- Migraine, including chronic migraine. The National Headache Foundation also lists an SPG block among non-medication options that may be considered for menstrual migraine.
SPG blocks can be used to treat pain that is happening now, to help prevent it, or both. They may be especially helpful when standard medicines do not work, cause hard-to-tolerate side effects, or are not safe for someone to take.
What to expect at the visit
- The block: a thin, flexible plastic tube is placed into the nose and releases numbing medicine near the SPG. It is usually done on both sides.
- Time: the medicine delivery itself takes about 10 to 20 seconds.
- No needles: at Park Your Headache, the SPG block is done without needles.
- Afterward: effects may begin anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours later.
Side effects and safety
The American Migraine Foundation says side effects, when they happen, are temporary. They can include:
- Numbness in the throat
- Low blood pressure
- Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
Share your full health history and medicine list with your doctor before the procedure.
How long relief may last
How long relief lasts differs from person to person. SPG blocks are often repeated every few weeks, depending on what your doctor recommends.
For prevention, the American Migraine Foundation cites evidence that SPG blocks given twice a week for six weeks may lower how often chronic migraine attacks happen and how bad they are. Your doctor can explain whether a schedule like that fits your situation.
Cost
At Park Your Headache, an SPG block is $289, with no needles involved. See SPG block fees for details. Every patient starts with a 90-minute new patient consultation ($520). If appropriate, the block may be done during that visit for the added fee. We are direct pay, with no insurance billing and no referral needed. See our FAQ about HSA and FSA payments.
How Dr. Park can help
Dr. Hannah Park is a dual board-certified, fellowship-trained headache medicine neurologist with over 10 years of specialized experience, and a lifelong migraine sufferer herself. She treats migraine, cluster headache, hemicrania continua, SUNCT, SUNA, trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain.
Your first visit is a 90-minute consultation with Dr. Park, with a full history review, a neurological exam, a diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. The practice focuses on targeted in-office treatments, such as SPG blocks and occipital nerve blocks, rather than a cycle of prescription medicines, and does not prescribe opioids. Appointments are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., usually within days. All fees are on our services page.
Related
Sources
This page summarizes patient information from these organizations, in our own words. It is general education, not medical advice.
- Spotlight On: Interventional Headache Management, American Migraine Foundation
- Menstrual Migraine, National Headache Foundation
Last updated October 27, 2026.
Curious whether a needle-free SPG block fits your plan?
Every patient starts with a 90-minute new patient visit with Dr. Park.