Consensus recommendations for anaesthetic peripheral nerve block

Abstract

Introduction: Anaesthetic block, alone or in combination with other treatments, represents a therapeutic resource for treating different types of headaches. However, there is significant heterogeneity in patterns of use among different professionals.

Development: This consensus document has been drafted after a thorough review and analysis of the existing literature and our own clinical experience. The aim of this document is to serve as guidelines for professionals applying anaesthetic blocks. Recommendations are based on the levels of evidence of published studies on migraine, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, cervicogenic headache, and pericranial neuralgias. We describe the main technical and formal considerations of the different procedures, the potential adverse reactions, and the recommended approach.

Conclusion: Anaesthetic block in patients with headache should always be individualised and based on a thorough medical history, a complete neurological examination, and expert technical execution.

Keywords: Anaesthesic block; Bloqueo anestésico; Cefalea cervicogénica; Cefalea en racimo; Cervicogenic headache; Cluster headache; Greater occipital nerve; Migraine; Migraña; Nervio occipital mayor; Neuralgia pericraneal; Pericranial neuralgia.