New Procedure at Windsong Radiology Offers Immediate and Long-Term Relief from Debilitating Headaches
by Annette Pinder
Millions of people suffer from debilitating chronic headaches and migraines. Many also suffer from atypical facial nerve pain, and pain due to failed dental procedures. More women than men are affected by migraines, and one person in every four households is affected. However, relief for debilitating headache and facial nerve pain has not kept pace with treatment advances in other areas of medicine. It is estimated that two-thirds of headache patients discontinue their prescription medications due to insufficient relief and uncomfortable side effects.
Now a new quick non-invasive procedure known as sphenophalatine ganglion block or SPG is available at Windsong Radiology, and is providing immediate and long-term relief to these patients. While the name of the treatment sounds complicated, it is really quite simple. It involves the delivery of medication to the nasal cavities connected to the SPG nerve, which affects sensation from the face to the brain. The medication blocks the pain, bringing immediate and long-term relief without needles or unwanted side effects. Some patients report a complete absence of pain within a few minutes of the treatment, which generally lasts about three to four months. And many patients report that it is lasting longer.
Dana Dunleavy, M.D., who performs SPG at Windsong, says, “SPG is a low risk, simple procedure, and a pain management game-changer for anyone who experiences moderate to severe headaches.” He adds, “The success rate for patients is as high as 94%. Best of all, it is effective and low-risk, and has minimal to no side effects, making it safe for children, adults, and pregnant women.”
SPG is also affordable, as most insurance companies, including Medicare, cover the procedure. Also, if you’re currently taking medication for migraines, SPG may diminish or even eliminate the need for expensive medications.
If you have been suffering from headaches, migraines or facial pain with little or no relief, you may wish to consider receiving SPG at Windsong. Some SPG facts are:
- It is non-invasive, and does not involve needles or skin puncturing.
- Because it is image-guided, it offers extreme accuracy in delivering the medication to block pain in the affected area.
- Patients may experience relief in minutes, and are able to resume activities within 15-30 minutes following the procedure.
WNY Resource:
Dr. Dunleavy is Director of the Interventional Radiology Program at Windsong Radiology Group. Interventional radiology treatments offer less risk, less pain and shorter recovery time to treat conditions such as varicose veins, migraines and osteoporotic spinal fractures without surgery. To make an appointment with Dr. Dunleavy call 716-929-9484. Also visit www.windsongradiology.com, and type “headache” in the search box to see a video and learn more about this exciting procedure that is bringing relief to so many.
