10 - The Sphenopalatine Ganglion: Associated Illnesses and Therapeutic Modalities

Abstract

The sphenopalatine ganglion is the largest gray matter structure outside of the central nervous system. This ganglion acts as a nexus for the autonomic nervous system of the head. Sympathetic fibers pass through and parasympathetic fibers synapse in the ganglion. Autonomics arising from the ganglion go on to targets in the nose, palate, pharynx, and lacrimal structures. Given the intersection of sensory and autonomic nerves, clinicians have sought to treat cluster headaches and sphenopalatine neuralgia first by blocks at the sphenopalatine ganglion and now by stimulation. Recently clinicians have also advocated for treatment of spinal headaches by blockade of the sphenopalatine ganglion. Although our understanding of the illnesses associated with the sphenopalatine ganglion has increased, this structure is being further researched, and new treatments associated with the sphenopalatine ganglion are likely to arise in the future.