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Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block

A few small structures (ganglia and associated nerves) located near the middle of the head are primarily responsible for dilation or constriction of blood vessels. Irritation within these structures is one of the primary causes of recurrent headaches (migraine, cluster, etc.). A sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block involves the safe delivery of anesthetic to the back of the nasal cavity via the nostril. Delivery of anesthetic to this location helps evaluate the source of head or facial pain, and often eliminates or significantly decreases pain.

An SPG block is a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure that can be effective when other treatments have failed. It can be repeated in 1-2-week intervals, if necessary. Please note that an SPG block cannot be performed if you have an allergy to local anesthetic or an active respiratory infection (nasal congestion).

Patients receiving pain management treatments who need language interpretation or prefer to communicate in a language other than English are encouraged to bring a family member or friend to their appointment to assist with translation. This ensures that patients fully understand the procedure and necessary instructions. If the patient is unable to comprehend the instructions, the appointment may need to be rescheduled. As Mayfair does not provide language interpreters, it is essential for patients to make these arrangements in advance.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY PROCEDURE?

  • Take all prescribed medications (including anticoagulation medication) as directed before, during, and after the procedure.
  • You may experience discomfort or dizziness, so please have someone accompany you on the day of your test. If this is your first SPG, you are required to have someone else drive you home.
  • You will need to purchase Drixoral (decongestant spray) and bring it with you to your procedure. It must be the no-drip, original, unscented version. It is available over the counter. We will explain how to use it when you arrive for your appointment. Our booking coordinators will discuss this with you.
  • If you are currently taking antibiotics, you will need to wait two days after your last dose to be able to have your injection done.
  • Please drink water throughout the day of your appointment and make sure you are well hydrated prior to the procedure. Bring a water bottle with you to your appointment.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to fill out a consent form.
  • Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
  • Wear comfortable clothes.
  • Please do not bring children who require supervision.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY PROCEDURE?

  • A team member will go over the consent form, explain procedure details, and answer any questions.
  • We will then escort you to our treatment suite where you will meet the radiologist or anesthesiologist who will perform your exam.
  • After the location is confirmed with X-ray guidance, the long-lasting freezing will be injected using a thin, flexible catheter.
  • You will be assessed post-injection by our team and, if there are no concerns, you will be free to leave.

POST-PROCEDURE INSTRUCTIONS

  • First 24 hours: 
    • No exercise or strenuous activity, including sexual activity for 24 hours post procedure.
    • Drink large amounts of fluids.
    • Keep a headache or pain diary after your procedure.
    • After your injection, you may have a bitter taste in your mouth due to the local anesthetic. You may also experience temporary dizziness or light-headedness; low blood pressure; numbness of the nose, throat and lips; a mildly bloody nose, tearing or facial flushing; and, rarely, a temporary increase in pain, nasal congestion, or nasal infection.
  • Follow-up with your referring doctor as needed.

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?

  • Results can vary. Some patients experience some pain relief immediately.
  • An SPG block can provide relief from days to months. If this procedure does not help relieve your symptoms, then you may need further evaluation by your referring doctor.
  • Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan. It is not currently offered at our Saskatchewan clinics.

PLEASE NOTE:

Please bring the following to your appointment: a valid government-issued ID, your provincial health card, and your exam requisition (if you have received one).

FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please ensure that you bring your requisition with you to your appointment.

DURATION

20-30 minutes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does the injection take to work?
Results can vary. Some patients experience some pain relief immediately.
How long will the injection last?
An SPG block can provide relief from days to months. If this procedure does not help relieve your symptoms, then you may need further evaluation by your referring doctor.
How many injections can I have and how often?
There is no limitation as to how often you can have this procedure done.
What are the side effects?
After your injection, you may have a bitter taste in your mouth due to the local anesthetic. You may also experience temporary dizziness or light-headedness; low blood pressure; numbness of the nose, throat and lips; a mildly bloody nose, tearing or facial flushing; and, rarely, a temporary increase in pain, nasal congestion, or nasal infection.
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Our Culture

We foster a supportive and collaborative culture designed to encourage positive patient experiences and build strong working relationships across the organization:

  • We recognize each other for our contributions – big and small.
  • We focus on teamwork and personal accountability to achieve our goals.
  • When we commit to deadlines, we complete the work as promised, by when we promised. If we realize we can’t keep our commitments, we collaborate to find new deadlines well in advance of the original ones.
  • We feel safe to speak up responsibly. That means we freely share what’s on our minds in a way that is respectful and supports the success of the organization.
  • We commit to our patients and their needs. We show up each day ready to live our vision, mission, and values.
  • We challenge each other to grow and develop our skills and we support each other to do so.
  • Above all, we go the extra mile to support our patients and colleagues. 

Our Values.

Our core values shape the way we work with patients, partners, and fellow employees. And, more than anything else, they’re what set Mayfair apart. In everything we do, this is what we strive for:

EXCELLENCE

We share a commitment to high quality and excellence in all that we do. This commitment calls on all of us to achieve the very best of our capabilities and exceed our own expectations.

CURIOSITY

We innovate in everything, from services to processes. We believe meaningful change and effective problem solving come only by looking at challenges and opportunities from new angles and by exercising our creativity and curiosity.

PASSION

We show pride, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything that we do. We are committed to producing and delivering high-quality results and services. We are passionate about our industry and about our company, services, partners, and patients.

COLLABORATION

Our team is supportive of each other’s efforts; we are loyal to one another; and we care for one another both personally and professionally. We promote and support a diverse, yet unified, team. We work together to meet our common goals across Mayfair clinics, locations, and geographies. Only through collaboration on ideas, technologies, and talents can we achieve our mission and vision.

SERVICE

We take pride in delivering exceptional service every day. We listen to every request with an open mind, always looking for opportunities to go above and beyond to create memorable, personalized experiences. We take responsibility to answer our referrers’ and patients’ requests and respect their time by always responding with a sense of urgency.

Start with us.

Start a career with Mayfair Diagnostics — one of Western Canada’s leading medical imaging teams.

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, we’ve been helping people f ind clarity for their health for over 100 years. At our clinics in Calgary and area, Regina, and Saskatoon, our team of radiologists, technologists, and support staff work in a truly integrated way to provide exceptional experiences for our patients. Joining our team is more than a job. It’s an investment in your future — a plan for success.

OUR PEOPLE

Our people share our quest to make a difference in our patient’s lives. We’re a team of professionals, disciplined in our skills and compassionate with our patients, providing the care and attention they need. At our core, we are a trusted partner in our patients’ health care journey. Our patients, physicians, and other health care providers rely on us for quality imaging to help manage their patient’s health care decisions with certainty. But our business is about more than just imaging. It’s about building lasting relationships and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we meet.

OUR VISION

A world in which every person has clarity about their health. We push the boundaries of what is possible and embrace change as an opportunity. We strive to be thought leaders and encourage creativity by providing a safe place for calculated risk taking. We learn from our mistakes. We share best practices across our operations and are recognized by our peers for our work. We engage the best to help propel us forward in achieving our goals.