Transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block for postdural puncture headache in obstetric patients: A Malaysian experience report

Abstract

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a common complication among obstetric patients after neuraxial anaesthesia. Conservative management may be associated with compliance issues, whereas the gold standard treatment, the epidural blood patch, is invasive and can result in serious complications. Transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block has recently emerged as a noninvasive treatment modality for PDPH. We describe our experience in performing transnasal SPG block by using modified techniques and different drug regimens at our centre. Dexamethasone was used as an adjuvant in transnasal SPG block for PDPH and has not been reported in other studies. Our first patient showed complete resolution of PDPH, and our second patient had a partially resolved headache subsequently requiring an epidural blood patch.