Anatomy of the Supraorbital Region

Background: Most headaches have been theorized to be related to irritation, entrapment, and/or compression of peripheral nerve trigger points. Aim: Supraorbital neuralgia or migraine can be treated with the supraorbital nerve (SoN) and/or the supratrochlear nerve (StN) blockade. The first compression point of the SoN and StN consists of either the supraorbital/supratrochlear notch or foramen. Methods: When their notchs are present as the SoN/StN exits from the superior orbital rim, there is frequently a fascial band that completes the circular shape of the notch and can compress the SoN/StN against the frontal bone. Results: Eighty-six percent of supraorbital notches and 72% of supratrochlear notches have fascial bands. The average distance from the nasion to either a supraorbital notch is 31 mm. The second compression points of the SoN and StN are CSM, where branches of the nerves course directly through the muscle in 78% of people. Conclusion: The detailed anatomy of supraorbital region involving sensory nerves, along with their compression points.