Efficacy of Percutaneous SPG Block in Aneurysmal SAH

This study is an open label, feasibility study that will consist of fifteen patients. This study will enroll only patients who have aneurysmal SAH that are secured by endovascular coiling. When a patient notes a severe headache which requires medical intervention on at least day 3 of the hospital admission, they will be asked if they would like to participate in an open label trial to use a bilateral SSPGB in addition to traditional medical management per unit protocol. The risks and benefits of the procedure will be explained to the patient. The patient will then either agree or disagree. If the patient disagrees, they will not be enrolled in the study. If the patient agrees, they will sign an informed consent and will be enrolled. Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be reviewed before enrolling a patient. The patients will first rate their pain from 0-10 on the numeric rating scale (NRS) (10 being the most severe). If their pain is at a level 5 or more and it is not responsive to traditional medical therapies, they will be a candidate for the study. The patients will receive bilateral injections as outlined below (5 mL: 4.5mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and 0.5mL of 10mg/mL dexamethasone on each side for total volume of 10 mL). Thirty minutes later and 24 hours following injection, the patient will rate their pain from 0-10 on the NRS. The description of the procedure is stated below. A success would be considered a drop in their pain score of at least 2.

Adverse effects will also be recorded 30 minutes after the procedure and the following day. Chart review on both provider and nursing notes will be performed on subsequent days to evaluate for adverse effects.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 and older
• Aneurysmal SAH in anterior/middle cerebral compartment
• Aneurysm must be secured endovascular with coiling
• The patient or patient's surrogate should be able to give informed consent and understand the risks of this study
• Pain NRS ≥ 5/10 in severity

Exclusion criteria

• Non aneurysmal, traumatic SAH
• Posterior fossa aneurysm ruptures
• Pregnancy
• Transcranial Doppler velocities suggestive of or approaching vasospasm