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Putting a Block on Leg Pain

Severe pain from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can be difficult to treat even with medication or surgery. In this study, doctors report the results of using a sphenopalatine block in two cases of CRPS.

CRPS is a poorly understood pain condition. It occurs most often in the arms or legs after an injury. Any part of the body can be affected. In these two case studies, one woman had chronic leg pain with CRPS after falling down a flight of stairs. In the other case, a woman had a car crash and traumatic brain injury with CRPS of the leg later.

In both cases the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) was blocked with a local anesthetic (tetracaine). The tetracaine was applied directly to the ganglion. A ganglion is a group of nerve cells outside the nervous system. The sphenopalatine ganglion can be reached through the nose at the back of the nasal passages.

Both patients got partial relief from pain but enough to improve function. The SPG can be blocked as often as needed. In one case the patient did this treatment to herself.

The authors conclude SPG blocks have been used for many years to manage pain from a variety of problems. Pain from CRPS can also be reduced in some patients with this treatment.

References: Jonathan P. Quevedo, MD, et al. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Involving the Lower Extremity: A Report of Two Cases of Sphenopalatine Block as a Treatment Option. In Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. February 2005. Vol. 86. No. 2. Pp. 335-337.

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