The pain from cluster headache and migraine attacks is partly driven by a reflex from the brainstem. This reflex pathway has a relay point in a nerve bundle called "sphenopalatine ganglion" (SPG), which is located in the facial skeleton.

Many patients do not respond to the available treatments for chronic migraine and cluster headache. Blocking the SPG is a treatment strategy that has been insufficiently explored these pain conditions. The main reason is probably that the nerve bundle is small and difficult to access. 

Our solution has been to develop navigation-guided injections. With medical equipment developed at NTNU and St. Olavs Hospital, we are now able to perform very precise injections to block this nerve cluster. The treatment is carried out as an outpatient procedure.