Successful Treatment of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation in Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgia

Abstract

Sphenopalatine neuralgia (SPN) is a clinical condition characterized by unilateral periorbital, trigeminal-maxillary pain, and ipsilateral autonomic symptoms caused by peripheral irritation of the SP ganglion. SPN was a previous term for trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs), especially for cluster headache, with its pain characteristics and autonomic findings. Etiology, pain duration, and treatment response provide distinctive features. Its clinical recognition is difficult; however, distinguishing it from other headache syndromes is important to prevent inappropriate treatment approaches. This case report aimed to raise awareness of the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management of TACs by presenting successful treatment results with thermal coagulation directed to the SP ganglion.