Comparison of Pain Levels in Anterior Versus Cephalic Approach for Supraorbital/Supratrochlear Nerve Blocks

In a study conducted on 10 patients undergoing their first session of hair restoration surgery, the pain levels associated with two different approaches for supraorbital/supratrochlear (SO/ST) nerve blocks were compared. The anterior approach was used on one side of the patient's forehead, and the superior (cephalic) approach on the other, with each patient serving as their own control. A 1% Xylocaine with adrenaline solution was used for the nerve blocks, and pain levels were assessed using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale. The results showed that the mean pain score for the anterior approach was 3.6, while the cephalic approach had a lower mean pain score of 2.9. Additionally, smokers reported higher pain scores on average, with 4.3 for the anterior approach and 3.8 for the cephalic approach. The study concluded that the cephalic approach was more comfortable for patients undergoing SO/ST nerve blocks in hair restoration surgery.