Date of this Version

11-30-2022

Document Type

DNP Project

Abstract

Background: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is a possible adverse effect of some spinal and neuraxial anesthesia procedures; it is characterized by visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, photophobia, and a postural component occurring within five days of a dural puncture. The epidural blood patch (EBP) has been considered the standard treatment for PDPH; however, the EBP has a considerable number of risks due to its invasive nature. The Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SPGB) is a non-invasive alternative therapy that shows promise in the treatment of PDPH. Methods: A thorough search of research was performed utilizing MEDLINE (ProQuest) and CINAHL to distinguish research studies published within the past five years that have assessed the efficacy of the sphenopalatine ganglion block as a treatment for post-dural puncture headaches. Results: Five published studies were classified as appropriate for analysis. The studies evaluated sphenopalatine ganglion block as an alternative to conservative treatment for post-dural puncture headache.

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