Sphenopalataine Ganglion (SPG) Stimulation in Cluster Headache Patients
Sphenopalataine Ganglion (SPG) Stimulation in Cluster Headache Patients
We hypothesized that LF stimulation of the SPG would increase parasympathetic outflow, activate sensory afferents and provoke a cluster-like attack.
We conducted a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled, crossover study to investigate cluster attack induction following LF (20 Hz and 0.2-2.1 amplitude) and sham (amplitude = 0) stimulation in 20 CH patients with implanted SPG neurostimulator. In addition, we measured plasma concentrations of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP38) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), as markers for parasympathetic activation before, during and after SPG stimulation. We also investigated if LF SPG stimulation induces changes in cardiac autonomic regulation and whether any attacks induced by SPG stimulation are associated with such changes.
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