Der Schmerz
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The efficacy of ganglionic local opioid analgesia (GLOA) at the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) was retrospectively investigated in 74 consecutive patients with neuropathic pain in the head and face region. It was possible to retrospectively analyze the short-term and medium-term treatment results in 64 of 74 patients. The long-term effect was subsequently determined using a standardized questionnaire. ⋯ After 3 years (range: 5 months to 6 years), 21% of 52 patients remained free of pain. The other patients reported often only minimal residual pain or a decrease of pain severity and duration. According to these results, GLOA at the SCG can represent a suitable and simple treatment option for neuropathic facial pain.