Dr. Shapira's Chicago Headache Blog

A new article August 5, 2019 details the use of Self-Administered SPG Blocks (Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks) for treating Trigeminal Neuralgia of the maxillary division of the Trigeminal Nerve.   The article "Intranasal self-administration of local anesthetic (ropivacaine) for sphenopalatine ganglion block, for treatment of second trigeminal branch neuralgia secondary to maxillary sinus curettage: A case report."

Dr Shapira has been the leading advocate of… Read Full Post

The Diagnostic Neuromuscular Orthotic is the keystone to Neuromuscular elimination of headaches, migraines and TMJ disorders.  It is designed to find a healthy 3 dimensional position for the mandible relative to the maxilla where there is minimal nociceptive input to the central nervous system and minimal adaptation needed from the  myofascial system. 

This is a reversible treatment that precedes permanent treatment.

To learn more about of the Science of  Neuromuscular Dentistry visit Sleep and Health Journal and read Dr Shapira's published article on the subject.  https://www.… Read Full Post

What is the best method of delivering a SPG Block?  There are many alternatives for delivering SPG Blocks, I personally feel that self-administration is the best approach for the majority of patients.  I utilize a wide variety of methods in some circumstances.

An excellent new article "Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SPG) in the Management of Chronic Headaches" in Current Pain and Headache Reports by Jeffery Mojica, Bi Mo & Andrew Ng does an excellent job in discussing both pathogenesis and treatment of Cluster Headaches utilizing Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks.

This article will discuss only that portion of their article dealing with Cluster… Read Full Post

An article in Neurology advisor (see link below)  discusses the use of SPG Blocks to treat pediatric headaches and migraines.  The study included 310 procedures on 200 children ranging from 7 to 18 years of age.  In 10 minutes after the block a significant number of children reported a 2 point drop in pain levels.

Th e use of SPG blocks for treating pediatric headaches is a blessing for both children and parents.  The video below is of a 12 year old who presented with severe migraine and was able to find relief and learn how to Self-Administer and SPG Block.

Dr Shapira has a new paper on Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Blocks  published in CRANIO:… Read Full Post

The Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block (SPG) was featured in the book "Miracles on Park Avenue" 

SPG Blocks are considered a first line treatment for Headaches, Migraines, Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalgias and all types of headaches.

There are numerous posts on this sitee oon thee topic but the most comprehensive information based on peer reviewed journals, pubmed and many other sources is at the website http://www.sphenopalatineganglionblocks.com.

It has the top rated blog site on SPG Blocks also known as Pterygopalatine Ganglion Blocks, Nasal Ganglion Block, Sluder's Ganglion Block and Meckel's Ganglion  Block.

There is a reddit page on these blocks… Read Full Post

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT HEADACHES:

Question from Kasey in Pennsylvania: I always seem to have a headache that never 100% goes away, and it usually varies day to day. It can get worse by mid to the end of the day. I don't have bad jaw pain but could that be a culprit, can foods cause tension headaches?

Dr Shapira Reply: Dear Kasey,

I am sorry to hear you are spending your entire life in pain. I hope I can help ease your burden.
Most (almost 100%) of headaches are from Trigeminal Nervous System. The Trigeminal Nerve is also called the dentists nerve because it goes to the teeth, jaw muscles, jaw joints, sinuses, gums, and periodontal ligaments.

The… Read Full Post

The pain, agony and suffering associated with headaches of all types can rapidly destroy your quality of life.   The suffering while waiting for medication to take effect can be maddening.  This is even more true when an individual has chronic severe headaches.

The most common approach of patients is to try over the counter medications that all have similar issues with slow onset and negative side effects.  Effectiveness varies and often only minimal or partial relief is obtained.

Non-steroidal anti-inflamatories  (NSAID) are probably the most common headache medication used.  This includes aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin),… Read Full Post

WHERE CAN I LEARN TO SELF ADMINISTER SPHENOPALATINE GANGLION BLOCKS?

Dr ira L Shapira teaches patients to Self-Administer SphenoPalatine Ganglion Blocks in his Highland Park, Il office.

CONTACT DR SHAPIRA THRU HIS WEBSITE:  WWW.THINKBETTERLIFE.COM

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPG BLOCKS:  WWW.SPHENOPALATINEGANGLIONBLOCKS.COM

Sphenopalatine Ganglion Blocks were first decribed by Sluder in 1903.

Hiram Byrd wrote "Sphenopalatine Phenomena" in 1930 which was published in 1930 and reported phenomenal success in 10,000 SPG Blocks in 2000 patients

Forgotten Medicine:  New Medications and procedures become available and marketed but sometimes… Read Full Post

Orofacial Pain also called oral-facial pain and Craniomandibular pain and of course TMJ or TMD was discussed in a post on the www.ThinkBetterLife.com website and is reprinted on www.IHateHeadaches.org.  I am Dr Ira L Shapira and both of these sites were written by me (with help). 

They are here to help you find answers to you chronic pain issues. The key is to create a better quality of life.  I am enclosing a link to over 100 patient testimonial videos.  Each and every patient is unique and has their own challenges but help is available.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk9Bfz6pklC7_UluWFHzLrg/videos

Ira L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D,AAPM, FICCMO… Read Full Post

The relationship of TMJ Disorders to Headaches and Migraines are well documented in both medical and dental literature.  The primary connection is via the Trigeminal Nerve.  The Trigeminal Nerve is often called the "Dentists Nerve" but the Trigeminal nerve is also at the center of each and every headache and migraine treated by physicians and neurologists.  The science behind this connection is two-fold.  The Trigeminal nerve also controls the blood flow to the anterior two thirds of the meninges of the brain.

Sinus headaches are usually treated by ENT's or Otolaryngologists but the Trigeminal Nerve is also front and center in both acute and chronic sinus pain… Read Full Post