Procedure Description
A trigeminal ganglion nerve block is a targeted, minimally invasive procedure used to relieve chronic facial pain and trigeminal neuralgia. The trigeminal ganglion (also known as the Gasserian ganglion) is a nerve hub located at the base of the skull that relays sensation from the face to the brain.
By injecting local anesthetic—often with a steroid or neurolytic agent—near this ganglion, the procedure aims to interrupt pain signals and reduce inflammation in cases of refractory facial or cranial nerve pain.
This block can be performed for diagnostic, therapeutic, or prognostic purposes and is often considered when medications have failed or are poorly tolerated.
What It Treats
A trigeminal ganglion nerve block is used to manage:
Trigeminal neuralgia
Atypical facial pain
Postherpetic neuralgia (shingles-related facial pain)
Cluster headaches or facial migraines
Cancer-related facial pain
Multiple sclerosis-associated facial pain
Facial pain syndromes unresponsive to medication
Patients often experience:
Sharp, shooting, or electric-shock-like facial pain
Pain in one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve (V1 – ophthalmic, V2 – maxillary, V3 – mandibular)
Pain triggered by touch, chewing, speaking, or cold air
How It Is Performed
You will be positioned on your back with the head slightly extended.
The procedure is typically performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray) or CT guidance for precise placement.
The skin near the cheek is cleansed and numbed with local anesthetic.
A thin needle is carefully advanced through the foramen ovale, a small opening in the base of the skull, to reach the trigeminal ganglion.
Once proper needle placement is confirmed, local anesthetic (and possibly a steroid or neurolytic agent such as glycerol or phenol) is injected.
The needle is removed and a small bandage is applied.
The procedure takes about 30–45 minutes and is typically done in an outpatient setting. Sedation may be used for comfort.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
Do not eat or drink for at least 6–8 hours if sedation is planned.
Review your medications with your provider—blood thinners may need to be held.
Inform your provider if you:
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have bleeding disorders or allergies to anesthetics or contrast dye
Have had previous facial surgeries or implants
Have an active infection or illness
Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home.
What to Expect After the Procedure
You may experience immediate numbness or pain relief in the face.
Some patients may notice temporary facial numbness, drooping, or difficulty chewing—these effects are usually transient.
Pain relief may last days to months, depending on the medication used and the severity of your condition.
If successful, the block may be repeated or followed by radiofrequency ablation or chemical neurolysis for longer-term results.
Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours, and follow post-procedure care instructions provided by your physician.
Call your provider if you experience:
Signs of infection (fever, redness, or drainage)
New or worsening facial weakness, difficulty swallowing, or vision changes
Severe headache or confusion
Precision Treatment for Chronic Facial Pain
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we provide trigeminal ganglion nerve blocks as a targeted, minimally invasive solution for patients suffering from debilitating facial pain and trigeminal neuralgia. When medications are no longer effective, this procedure may offer significant pain relief and restored quality of life.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to find out if a trigeminal ganglion block is right for you.