Sphenopalatine ganglion block for the treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension without demonstrable cerebrospinal fluid leak: A report of two cases

Abstract

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a condition characterized by orthostatic headache associated with nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, vertigo, hypoacusis, neck pain/stiffness, and photophobia. Usual treatment includes bed rest, hydration, caffeine, analgesics, epidural blood patch, steroids, fibrin glue (N-butyl-cyanoacrylate), and surgical repair. In this series, we report two cases, who presented to us with features of SIH and were managed successfully with sphenopalatine ganglion block. This is a novel modality of management of SIH and has not been reported before.

Keywords: Cerebrospinal fluid; Intracranial hypotension; Orthostatic headache; Sphenopalatine ganglion block.