Zygomaticotemporal

Pain signals normally travel along the nerves to the brain, where they are experienced as pain. The zygomaticotemporal nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve, is responsible for sensation over the temple and parts of the upper face. When this nerve is irritated or compressed, it can cause persistent or debilitating pain in these areas.

A zygomaticotemporal nerve block is an injection of local anesthetic near this nerve. This is the same type of medication used to “freeze” your gums at the dentist. By numbing the nerve, this procedure temporarily interrupts or reduces the transmission of pain signals and provides relief.

A steroid medication like cortisone may also be included in the injection to reduce inflammation in the surrounding tissues and reduce pressure on the nerve.

Zygomaticotemporal nerve block injections are typically recommended for people dealing with specific types of pain that have not responded to other treatments. 

This procedure is particularly effective for managing:

• Migraines and Cluster Headaches: Particularly those affecting the temple region or upper face.
• Neuralgia: Chronic pain along the path of the nerve, often triggered by touch or movement.
• Trigeminal Neuropathy: Nerve pain resulting from dysfunction or injury to the trigeminal nerve.
• Post-Traumatic or Post-Surgical Pain: Pain following injuries or surgeries involving the temple or zygomatic arch.
• Diagnostic Purposes: In some cases, a nerve block can be used to determine whether the zygomaticotemporal nerve is the source of your pain.

By blocking pain signals at their source, zygomaticotemporal nerve block injections can reduce chronic pain and help you get back to your normal activities.

The primary benefit of a zygomaticotemporal nerve block is pain relief, which can significantly improve your quality of life. For many patients, these injections:

• Provide immediate and long-lasting relief from pain in the temple and upper face.
• Reduce the frequency and severity of migraines or chronic headaches by up to 65% and reduce the need for oral medication, including potentially addictive opioids. 
• Help identify the source of facial pain for further treatment planning.
• Serve as a non-invasive alternative to surgery or other intensive treatments.

Depending on the condition being treated, about 65-80% of patients have significant pain relief after a facial nerve block, lasting from several weeks to months. A 2023 study found that patients with severe headaches that did not respond to treatments, experienced substantial and long-lasting pain relief following ultrasound-guided zygomaticotemporal nerve blocks, with no complications.

While some people get good results after a single injection, it’s important to understand that the pain relief from a nerve block injection is usually temporary. Over several weeks to months, the effects of the medication will gradually wear off.  Depending on your condition and results, the injections can be repeated up to 3-6 times per year to get sustained relief.

Our expert clinicians use ultrasound guidance to ensure each injection is placed with 100% accuracy. When injected blindly, it can miss the intended target up to 30% of the time, even in the most experienced hands. Ultrasound-guided injections ensure maximum effectiveness and reduce the risk of complications.

Yes, nerve blocks are a safe and widely used medical procedure. If side effects do occur, they are usually mild and temporary, such as slight swelling or soreness at the injection site.

Nerve blocks are generally a safe and effective option for chronic or acute pain that hasn’t responded well to other treatments. However, people with some conditions may not be a good candidate for nerve block injections:

• Medication allergies: You must not be allergic to the medications used in the injection.
• Infections: An active infection near the injection site or in your body could increase the risk of complications. 
• Bleeding problems: Patients with clotting issues or those taking blood thinners may require special precautions.
• Serious health issues: Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or severe heart problems might make this procedure unsafe for you.
• Pregnancy: Nerve block injections may not be recommended during pregnancy.

Our expert clinical team will assess your unique situation to determine if a nerve block is right for you.

At Wilderman Medical Clinic, we take every precaution to ensure your safety. While zygomaticotemporal nerve block injections are considered safe, like any medical procedure, they carry some potential risks and side effects. These may include:

• Temporary Numbness or Weakness: It’s normal to experience temporary numbness in the temple area after the injection.
• Bruising or Swelling: Some patients notice minor bruising or swelling at the injection site, which typically resolves on its own.
• Infection: Though rare, there is a slight risk of infection at the injection site.
• Allergic Reactions: If you’re allergic to the medications used, you may experience an allergic reaction. Be sure to inform your clinician of any known allergies.
• Incomplete Pain Relief: In some cases, the injection may not fully alleviate pain, or its effects may be short-lived.

During your initial consultation, our clinical team will go over the potential risks and benefits with you to make sure you feel confident and well-informed before going ahead with the procedure.

Our expert team will prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the process:

Consultation: Before your procedure, our physicians will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals to determine if a nerve block is the right option for you.

Preparation: You’ll be asked to lie down comfortably. The area near your temple, where the injection will be administered, will be cleaned and sterilized.

Injection: Next, our experienced clinician will use ultrasound to precisely locate the target area. A thin needle is directed to the desired location, and the medication is injected. The whole process only takes a few minutes. It is normal to feel a temporary sensation of burning, tingling, or mild pressure in the area of the injection. Most patients report only minimal discomfort.  

Recovery: After the injection, a small bandage is placed on your skin. You will be given time after the procedure to make sure you feel good and are not having side effects before leaving the clinic. For your safety, you will be required to have a driver pick you up to ensure you get home safely.

Most patients can resume normal activities within a few hours, although rest is recommended for the remainder of the day. Minor soreness for a few days after the procedure is normal.

We follow up with all of our patients after their procedures, typically within 2-4 weeks.

At Wilderman Medical Clinic, we combine state-of-the-art technology with expert care to deliver the most effective pain management solutions available today.
Take the first step toward lasting relief from chronic headaches and facial pain.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if a zygomaticotemporal nerve block is right for you.  

Evcili G, Yabalak A. (2023). Evaluation of the efficacy of peripheral nerve block alone in episodic and chronic migraine patients. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2023 Aug;81(8):734-739. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1771494. Epub 2023 Aug 3. PMID: 37536366; PMCID: PMC10468243.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/nerve-blocks-for-migraine#suitability

Mahajan R, Gupta K, Jain K, Jamwal A, Bloria S, Kalsotra G, Bhadrala N. Ultrasound-Guided Zygomaticotemporal Nerve Block for Refractory Temporal Headaches: A Case Series. A A Pract. 2023 Jan 20;17(1):e01656. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000001656. PMID: 36662633.