Nerve Blocks for Migraine & Headache Relief
Need immediate pain-relief during Migraine and Cluster Headache?
When headaches or migraines become frequent and disabling, medications and lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. In these cases, nerve blocks can provide safe, effective, and fast relief.
At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we offer targeted nerve block treatments as part of a comprehensive, non-surgical approach to managing migraines and chronic head pain.
What Are Nerve Blocks?
A nerve block is a simple, in-office procedure in which a small amount of local anesthetic (sometimes combined with a steroid) is applied near a specific nerve involved in pain signaling. By temporarily “turning off” pain transmission, nerve blocks can:
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Provide rapid relief during a migraine or severe headache episode
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Reduce the frequency and intensity of future attacks with repeated treatments
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Help identify which nerves are contributing to your pain
Types of Nerve Blocks for Headache and Migraine
Greater Occipital Nerve (GON) Block
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Targets the nerves at the back of the head and upper neck.
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Often used for chronic migraine, occipital neuralgia, and headaches that begin at the base of the skull and radiate forward.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Block
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Targets a nerve bundle deep behind the nose involved in migraine, cluster headaches, and facial pain.
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Performed comfortably in-office using special applicators or devices like Tx360® or SphenoCath®.
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Especially helpful for migraine attacks, cluster headaches, and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs).
The SphenoCath® device is a minimally invasive way to deliver anesthetic to the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG).
How it works:
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A soft, flexible micro-catheter is inserted gently through the nose.
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Local anesthetic is delivered directly to the SPG area.
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The procedure is quick (usually under 5 minutes), comfortable, and performed in-office.
Benefits of SphenoCath®:
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Can stop a migraine or cluster headache attack rapidly
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May reduce frequency and severity of future headaches with repeated treatments
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No needles through the face and minimal discomfort
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Safe, effective, and well-tolerated
Trigeminal Nerve Blocks
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The trigeminal nerve is the main sensory nerve of the face and head. It has three branches:
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Ophthalmic nerve (V1)
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Maxillary nerve (V2)
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Mandibular nerve (V3)
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From these, four smaller nerves are commonly associated with facial pain and can be safely targeted for diagnostic and therapeutic blocks:
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Supratrochlear nerve (branch of V1)- Blocks the supratrochlear nerve to relieve pain in the mid-forehead and scalp near the midline.
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Supraorbital nerve (branch of V1)- Targets the supraorbital nerve for pain relief in the forehead, scalp, and upper eyelid.
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Infraorbital nerve (branch of V2)- Blocks the infraorbital nerve, numbing the lower eyelid, upper lip, side of the nose, and upper front teeth.
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Auriculotemporal nerve (branch of V3)- Targets the auriculotemporal nerve for pain relief in the TMJ, temple, ear, and lateral scalp.
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Are Nerve Blocks Right for You?
Nerve blocks may be recommended if you:
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Have chronic migraines (15 or more headache days per month)
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Experience severe headaches that do not respond well to medications
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Cannot tolerate migraine drugs due to side effects or medical conditions
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Need rapid relief during prolonged headache episodes
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Have overlapping conditions such as occipital neuralgia or orofacial migraine
What are the benefits of nerve block?
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Rapid relief – Can ease migraine or headache pain within minutes to hours
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Minimally invasive – Simple, in-office procedure with minimal discomfort
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Drug-sparing – Reduces the need for daily or high-dose medications
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Versatile – Helpful for migraines, cluster headaches, occipital neuralgia, and facial pain
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Preventive potential – Repeated treatments may decrease headache frequency and intensity over time
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Diagnostic value – Helps identify which nerves are contributing to your pain
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Safe and well-tolerated – Few side effects, with most patients returning to normal activities the same day
Do nerve blocks cure migraines?
No. They do not cure migraine, but they can significantly reduce pain and frequency, especially as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
How do I know if I’m a candidate?
Our specialist will review your medical history, headache pattern, and previous treatments to determine if a nerve block is right for you.
How soon can I expect results?
Relief varies—some patients get days of benefit, while others experience weeks or longer.
Take the Next Step.
If migraines or chronic headaches are interfering with your life, nerve blocks may provide the relief you’ve been searching for.
At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, treatments are performed by a board-certified Orofacial Pain specialist with expertise in head and facial pain.
Call us at 206-880-0119 or request an appointment to learn if nerve blocks are right for you.
