Abstract:
A method of treating headaches by blocking the sphenopalatine ganglion comprises using a first device to anesthetize a front portion of the nasal cavity. A second device is used to anesthetize a rear portion of the nasal cavity. After these priming anesthetizations, a primary pain medication delivery device is used to discharge an anesthetic to the sphenopalatine ganglion to treat the headache.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a set of devices and a technique for treating headaches and particularly migraines. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Severe headaches are suffered by large numbers of the American population. It is estimated that 1 in 10 males and 1 in 4 females experience debilitating headaches regularly. Even larger percentages may experience the occasional mild headache capable of being treated with an over the counter analgesic, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. Severe headaches may substantially incapacitate the individual suffering from the headache. Such incapacitation may lead to losses in productivity, inability to work, and a general deterioration of quality of life. 
     There are presently two techniques by which severe headaches are treated with a sphenopalatine ganglion block. Both of these techniques involve treatment by a medical provider in an office or hospital setting. The first technique comprises using a rigid cotton swab coated with a pain medication. The cotton swab is inserted through the nasal passage to the sphenopalatine ganglion. The cotton tip then swabs the area near the ganglion to introduce the pain medication thereto. The rigid swab may cause trauma to the nasal cavity and cause other discomfort to the individual enduring the treatment. 
     The second technique comprises tilting the head of the headache sufferer backwards and using a syringe to trickle a pain medication through the nasal cavity to the ganglion in question. 
     As both of these techniques require the supervision of a medical provider, they are expensive. While some of this tab may be paid for by insurance providers or Medicare, it is still inconvenient for the individual to travel to the medical provider&#39;s office to receive the treatment. 
     Thus, a method of providing an effective pain medication regimen for severe headaches that does not require the supervision of a medical provider is needed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises a series of three devices, which progressively anesthetize the nasal cavity and the sphenopalatine ganglion. In particular, a first device comprises a compressible bulb having a flexible nozzle attached thereto. The flexible nozzle may be approximately 1.5 inches (3.75 cm) long. The compressible bulb is filled with an over the counter anesthetic. The individual suffering from the headache or a trusted companion may insert the flexible nozzle into the headache sufferer&#39;s nostril and squeeze the compressible bulb. This discharges the anesthetic into the nasal cavity. The mucous membrane rapidly absorbs the anesthetic, thereby priming the nasal cavity for the insertion of the second device. 
     The second device comprises a compressible bulb with a longer flexible nozzle. In particular, the flexible nozzle may be approximately three inches (7.5 cm) long. The compressible bulb of the second device is likewise filled with an anesthetic. The second device is inserted into the nostril of the headache sufferer and the compressible bulb compressed. This discharges the anesthetic into the nasal cavity at a point beyond the initial insertion of the first device. Again, the mucous membrane rapidly absorbs the anesthetic thereby priming the nasal cavity for the insertion of the final device. 
     The final device comprises a syringe having a long flexible nozzle with a wicking material disposed therein. An anesthetic is placed into the syringe and saturates the wicking material. The terminal end of the flexible nozzle has some portion of the wicking material exposed. The final device is then inserted into the nasal cavity through the nostril until the wicking material abuts or is proximate to the sphenopalatine ganglion. A guard is removed from the syringe, and the plunger of the syringe is depressed. This forces the anesthetic through the wicking material, resulting in a discharge onto the ganglion. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a first device used in the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a second device used in the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a final device used in the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart diagram of the steps of one embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of a human head. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention comprises three devices which when used properly together provide an effective headache treatment method. An overview of the structures associated herewith will be presented so that the discussion of the method is facilitated. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a first priming device  10  comprising a reservoir or compressible bulb  12  filled with a fluid  13  and having a flexible nozzle  14  approximately 1.5 inches long (3.75 cm). Nozzle  14  may include an aperture  16  capable of being capped by cap  19 . Compressible bulb  12  may further comprise a label  18  indicating the nature of the fluid  13  to comply with appropriate statutes or regulations. Fluid  13  may comprise an anesthetic such as benzocaine. Cap  19  is selectively removable as is well understood. Compression of the compressible bulb  12  results in the discharge of fluid  13  through the flexible nozzle  14  and specifically through aperture  16 . Flexible nozzle  14  may be made from any number of materials capable of surviving conventional sterilization techniques without losing its flexibility. One appropriate material would be a clear vinyl. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a second priming device  20  comprising a reservoir or compressible bulb  22  filled with a fluid  23  and having a flexible nozzle  24  approximately three inches long (7.5 cm). Flexible nozzle  24  may include an aperture  26  capable of being capped by cap  29 . Compressible bulb  22  may further comprise a label  28  indicating the nature of the fluid  23  to comply with appropriate statutes or regulations. Fluid  23  may comprise an anesthetic such as benzocaine. Cap  29  is selectively removable as is well understood. Compression of the compressible bulb  22  results in the discharge of fluid  23  through the nozzle  24  and specifically through aperture  26 . Flexible nozzle  24  may likewise be made from any number of materials capable of surviving conventional sterilization techniques without losing its flexibility. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a pain medication delivery device  30  that comprises a syringe  32  attached to a flexible nozzle  34 . Syringe  32  further comprises a plunger  35 . Syringe  32  contains a fluid  33  therein. Fluid  33  may be benzocaine, a fluid headache treatment pain medication. A wicking material  36  such as cotton, or polyester blended cotton, or the like may be contained within the flexible nozzle  34  and extend from aperture  38 . A syringe guard  40  prevents inadvertent depression of plunger  35  and is selectively removable as is well understood. A cap  42  is further selectively placed over the terminal end of the nozzle  34  and wicking  36 . A label  44  may be positioned on the syringe  32  detailing the fluid  33  to comply with the appropriate statutes and regulations. 
     With that discussion of the three delivery devices  10 ,  20 , and  30 , the present methodology may now be explicated with reference to FIG.  4 . Upon the realization that an individual is suffering from a severe headache, the individual or a trusted companion may remove cap  19  from the first priming device  10  (block  100 ). The flexible nozzle  14  is then inserted into the nasal cavity  50  (FIG. 5) to a first insertion point  52  (block  102 ). The compressible bulb  12  is then compressed thereby discharging fluid  13  from bulb  12  through nozzle  14  and specifically through aperture  16  into the nasal cavity  50  (block  104 ). An appropriate amount of time passes for the anesthetic within fluid  13  to take effect to numb the nasal cavity  50  (block  106 ). The cap  29  is then removed from the second priming device  20  (block  108 ). The flexible nozzle  24  is then inserted in the nasal cavity  50  to the second insertion point  54  (block  110 ). The compressible bulb  22  is then compressed, thereby discharging fluid  23  through nozzle  24  and out aperture  26  into the nasal cavity  50  (block  112 ). Again an appropriate amount of time passes for the anesthetic within fluid  23  to take effect (block  114 ). Having primed both an outer portion of the nasal cavity  50  with the first fluid  13  and the inner portion of the nasal cavity  50  with the second fluid  23 , the final pain medication may then be provided. The cap  42  is removed (block  116 ). The flexible nozzle  34  is then inserted to the nasal cavity  50  to the sphenopalatine ganglion  56  such that the wicking  36  is proximate to the ganglion  56  (block  118 ). The syringe guard  40  is then removed (block  120 ). Note that the syringe guard  40  may be removed prior to insertion if desired. After proper insertion, the plunger  35  is depressed (block  122 ) thereby discharging the fluid  33  through the nozzle  34  and out aperture  38 . This introduces the anesthetic within fluid  33  to the sphenopalatine ganglion  56  for treatment of the severe headache. 
     As the pain medication described herein is available over the counter, it is expected that the present methodology would not require a visit to the office of a medical care provider. Further, with proper instruction, an individual may perform this technique upon themselves, or with the assistance of a trusted companion. The flexible nature of the nozzles  14 ,  24 , and  34  allow insertion into the nasal cavity  50  without risk of trauma thereto. The preliminary anesthetizing of the nasal cavity  50  with the first priming device  10  and a second priming device  20  further reduces the likelihood of trauma to the nasal cavity. This specifically avoids the need for a rigid swab being inserted into the nasal cavity with the attendant risks of trauma associated therewith while at the same time providing introduction of the pain medication in close proximity to the sphenopalatine ganglion  56 , which is not presently achieved through the syringe trickle method. 
     While using both priming devices  10  and  20  may be desirable to the extent that it allows the nasal cavity  50  to be progressively anesthetized, it is possible that only a single priming step if performed with a single priming device having a flexible nozzle. Likewise, while the wicking  36  cushions the mucous membrane as the flexible nozzle  34  abuts the ganglion  56 , the wicking  36  does not have to be used. 
     It should be appreciated that the dimensions provided herein are contemplated as being designed for an adult. A child sized version may likewise be created which is correspondingly smaller. Other sizes may also be appropriate for the vertically challenged or particularly large individuals such as basketball players and the like. 
     Note further that the caps  19 ,  29 , and  42  are designed to remain in place, keeping the terminal ends of the respective nozzles  14 ,  24 , and  34  clean and preventing discharge therefrom until desired. The particular shape is not material to the present invention. 
     The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and the essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are therefore to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.