Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block for Depression Q&A

Depression is a common mental disorder. Individuals with depression experience low mood and loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, coupled with a general feeling of sadness that persists over a long time.

While it’s normal for everyone to experience fluctuations in mood in response to daily events and stressors, depression is different from regular experiences of sadness, involving a persistent low mood, which can occur without a specific external cause.

It can severely affect various aspects of a person’s life, from health and wellness to relationships with family and friends, and even performance at work or school. Anyone can be affected by depression, but those with a history of abuse, co-occurring mental health disorders, or traumatic life events are more susceptible. Many treatment options are available for the management of depression and individuals experiencing symptoms do not need to wait until they are in a time of crisis to seek care.

Timely treatment interventions at OmniSpine Pain Management can significantly improve outcomes and prevent the most severe consequences of depression.

The symptoms of depression are wide-ranging and present differently among individuals. These symptoms typically include a depressed mood, which may be constant or part of recurring depressive episodes, and a loss of pleasure or interest in previously enjoyed activities, often leading to withdrawal from social situations and increased isolated behaviors.

Individuals with depression may also experience feelings of low self-worth, excessive guilt, disrupted sleep patterns, and consistent feelings of fatigue, regardless of sleep quality. Physical changes such as neglect in personal appearance or hygiene, and fluctuations in appetite and weight, are also common.

Additionally, individuals may have difficulty concentrating and in severe cases, may feel hopeless about the future or harbor thoughts of suicide or dying.

These symptoms have a wide range of adverse impacts on both mental and physical health, leading to increased susceptibility toward physical inactivity, substance use, stress, and much more. Providers at OmniSpine Pain Management work collaboratively with patients to guide them toward the best treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.

Sphenopalatine ganglion block involves the injection of a local anesthetic around a group of nerve cells located behind the nose, which plays a role in mood regulation.

The SPG is connected to the trigeminal nerve, which is involved in sensory information processing and has a connection to brain areas related to mood regulation. This procedure can also involve the release of neurotransmitters, playing an important role in mood regulation. Such actions can significantly decrease or eliminate many of the negative feelings associated with depression.

Sphenopalatine ganglion block injections have been shown to provide relief for extended periods, sometimes for months or even up to a year. This makes it an excellent treatment option, particularly for those who have not found success with conventional treatment methods for depression. It is also used to treat a range of other mental health concerns, including PTSD and anxiety, as well as physical pain disorders.

How an individual feels following a stellate ganglion block can vary from one individual to another. At OmniSpine Pain Management, providers work to ensure a painless and comfortable procedure, typically performed under local anesthesia, with sedatives administered as needed.

Following the procedure, some individuals feel more energized while others might feel tired, both experiences are normal reactions as the body adjusts. Some individuals notice an immediate reduction in many of the emotional symptoms associated with depression, while others may experience these changes more gradually.

Generally, people often feel a new sense of calm after receiving a stellate ganglion block, which can help them to promote healthier and more active lifestyles. Making positive life changes following the procedure is encouraged to further enhance the benefits.

Patients often find it useful to catalog changes in mood and behavior, which can be discussed during follow-up appointments with providers at OmniSpine Pain Management to assess the success of the treatment.

Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block for depression is available at OmniSpine Pain Management. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. Our clinics are located in Frisco TX, Sunnyvale TX, and Mesquite TX. We serve patients from Dallas TX, Frisco TX, Mesquite TX, Sunnyvale TX, Plano TX, Garland TX, Forney TX, Cedar Hill TX, Denton TX, Balch Springs TX, and surrounding areas.