What is pterygopalatine neuralgia

  Pterygopalatine neuralgia is a relatively rare atypical localized neuropathic headache caused by direct or indirect damage or radiological stimulation of the pterygopalatine ganglion or nerve roots. The prevalence of the disease is in the population. It has been reported to be more common in adults aged 20-50 years, and more common in men than women. It is thought to occur in women aged 30-40 years. There is a lack of recent epidemiological statistics. It is characterized by regular attacks.  The main manifestations are: severe pain on one side of the lower face, such as electric shock-like, burning-like, no obvious cause, sudden onset, deep in the location and diffuse, usually starting from the back of the root of the nose, eyes and upper jaw, can spread to the lower jaw and dental bed, radiating to the frontal, temporal, occipital and ear, sometimes can affect the mastoid process, the most painful point is often located 5 cm behind the mastoid process, lasting from a few minutes to several hours, emotional excitement, strong light can make The pain can be aggravated by emotion and strong light. Some patients have been reported to have a “metallic” taste aura before the attack. The length of the interval varies, and a mild dull pain may remain for several hours after the attack.  The pain attack may be accompanied by parasympathetic symptoms such as flushing, conjunctival congestion, photophobia, lacrimation, nasal congestion, runny nose, dizziness, nausea, heart pain and tinnitus. Physical examination often has no obvious positive signs. In some cases, the soft palate may be elevated on the affected side and the uvula may be biased to the affected side. Individual cases may show Horner’s sign, increased superficial temporal artery pulsation or ipsilateral facial sensory sensitization during the attack.  Treatment: 1. Exclude the cause of pterygopalatine ganglion irritation, such as control of paranasal sinus infection.  2.Pterygopalatine ganglion block: subzygomatic arch approach, palatine foramen approach, transnasal approach 3.Cervical sympathetic nerve block 4.Supraorbital nerve block 5.Pterygopalatine ganglion destruction: chemical destruction, radiofrequency destruction 6.Pterygopalatine ganglion radiotherapy 7.Pterygopalatine ganglion dissection