Approach to anesthetic blocks for headache treatment

Abstract

This study reviews the effectiveness of anesthetic blocks in treating headaches, a common medical condition that ranges from mild to debilitating discomfort. We focused on analyzing treatments for refractory cases, using a systematic review of the literature to explore the usefulness of these blocks. The search was conducted in recognized databases such as PubMed, Medline, SciELO, and Google Scholar, selecting studies that discuss the use of local anesthetics to block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. The results indicate that anesthetic blocks are effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches, presenting significant benefits especially in patients who do not respond to conventional treatments. These procedures not only relieve pain, but also improve patients' quality of life, reducing dependence on painkillers and positively impacting associated conditions such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, treatment with anesthetic blocks proved to be effective even without the need for additional pharmacological interventions. We conclude that anesthetic blocks represent a valuable therapeutic approach and should be considered as a first-line strategy in headache management. Individualization of treatment is essential, requiring a careful selection of techniques to be applied, highlighting the importance of personalized strategies in the treatment of pain.