by Ayaki Tanaka* and Osamu Hotta
Abstract: Intranasal Sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation (INSPGS), which mechanically stimulates the sphenopalatine ganglion with a cotton swab from the nose, was performed in 7 cases of Long COVID (LC). In the evaluation report by Visual Analogue Scale, improvements were recognized in all or part of the symptoms in all 7 cases. INSPGS might be effective as a treatment for LC, and its possible mechanisms might be similar to SPG electrical stimulation, i.e., that of cerebrovascular collateral vasodilation, stabilization of blood-brain barrier, direct neuroprotection, and enhanced brain plasticity. The mechanical Sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) stimulation by INSPGS might physiologically block the parasympathetic efferent, therefore turning off the efferent pathway of the trigeminal-autonomic reflex. INSPGS is a simple procedure, and it is one of the advantages that clinical application is easy.
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