Trigeminal ganglion block is considered when the medical management of the condition becomes less satisfactory. The common conditions considered for this procedure are trigeminal neuralgia, acute herpes zoster, cluster headache, intractable atypical facial pain and cancer of skull base etc. Usually peripheral branches of the ganglion are blocked initially, if not of much help, then trigeminal ganglion is blocked with local anaesthetics.
If the diagnostic block gives good relief, then either radiofrequency or neurolytic agents are used for long-term relief. Long-term prognosis is generally good. Same procedure can be repeated if disease recurs at a later time.