Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block May Be an Efficient Treatment of Headache After Lumboperitoneal Shunt Placement: A Case Report

A 20-year-old man submitted to surgical insertion of a lumboperitoneal drain as a treatment for intracranial hypertension, secondary to venous sinus thrombosis, developed severe headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diplopia 24 hours postoperative. Cerebral spinal fluid low-pressure headache was diagnosed. A transnasal sphenopalatine ganglion block with ropivacaine was performed without complications. Pain relief was immediate, complete, and sustained for about 24 hours; a second block was performed effectively with pain control, and the patient was discharged. Sphenopalatine ganglion block may be a safe and efficient treatment for the cerebral spinal fluid hypotension headache secondary to lumboperitoneal shunt.