Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks and stimulation are utilized to treat and prevent headaches, migraines, cluster headaches, other trigeminal autonomic cephalgias and a wide variety of other symptoms.

This old experimental study (1990 abstract below) evaluated where changes in blood flow occurred in the brain.  Unilateral stimulation increased blood flow on the same side of the brain 45% to the Cerebral Cortex and 42% to the white matter of the Corpus Callosum.  There was no increase in blood flow in basal ganglia or brainstem.  These areas showed no increase in glucose utilization in either area.

This was seen as unquestionable evidence of innervation of the cerebral vasculature from the Pterygopalatine Ganglion (Nasal Ganglion, Meckel’s Ganglion, Sluder’s Ganglion, Sphenopalatine Ganglion).  They concluded that this is clear evidence of innervation of the cerebral vasculature from the SPG, the largest parasympathetic ganglion of the head.  This change in blood flow was independent of cerebral metabolism.  “These data provide clear evidence that the innervation of the cerebral vasculature from the main parasympathetic ganglion can alter cerebral blood flow independent of cerebral metabolism.”

There is a question about this information that must be raised.  Since it is well known that Sympathetic fibers from the Superior Cervical Ganglion Chain pass thru the Sphenopalatine Ganglion it is impossible to know for sure that it was due to Parasympathetic innervation and not thru sympathetib innervation from sympathetic fibers passing thru the ganglion.

A more recent study looking at  “Neurostimulation at the Pterygopalatine fossa for cluster headaches and cerebral vascular disorders” (abstract below)  considers the Sometosensory nervs of the trigeminal system as well as sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves of the autonomic nervous system.

This study considers the “important role of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), which is located within the PPF, in cerebrovascular autonomic physiology as well as in the pathophysiology of different headache disorders (cluster headache, migraine, and trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias). ”

Itdiscusses the importance of the autonomic AND the somatosensory nerves ” Accordingly, neuromodulation of the autonomic fibers (parasympathetic and sympathetic) may play a key role in the management of headaches, stroke, or cerebral vasospasm. Another important structure within the PPF is the maxillary nerve (V2), which passes through the roof of the fossa. Here the trigeminal system is accessible for a reliable neuromodulation by targeting its second branch -the maxillary nerve- and this could be utilized in various painful conditions of the head and face.

Neuromuscular Dentistry has long been aware of thespecial nature of the autonomic nervous system especially the Sphenopalatine Ganglion and Barney Jankelson created the first Neuromodulation / neurostimulator directed at both the trigeminal nerve and the Sphenopalatine Ganglion.  This stimulator was called the Myomonitor and is one of the most important discoveries in the field of neurostimulation and treatment of headaches and trigeminal nervous issues.

Unfortunately politics intruded its ugly head and a bogus FDA hearing almost destroyed the field of Neuromuscular Dentistry and would have eliminated the enormous help that and relief it gives to patients with chronic head and neck pain, cluster headaches, migraines and many other conditions.

The Myomonitor has an exceptional 50 year safety and efficacy history as a SPG stimulator and stimulator of 5th and 7th cranial nerves in treating chronic headaches, migraines and TMJ disorders in spite of a small group well funded deniers, many of whom worked for insurance companies or consultants to deny insurance coverage to patients.

This material about the FDA abuses and subsequent congressional hearings can be found at:  https://www.sleepandhealth.com/articles-on-fda-abuses-of-myotronics/

There was certainly evil intent on the part of many of those involved in this scandal.

Sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation increases regional cerebral blood flow independent of glucose utilization in the cat.