Comparative Study of Ultrasound and Landmark Methods for Scalp Nerve Blocks

This original article presents a comparative study focusing on scalp nerve blocks, a technique used in regional anesthesia for head and neck surgeries and pain management. The study aims to evaluate the success rates of two primary methods for performing scalp blocks: ultrasound guidance and anatomical landmarks. A total of 50 patients scheduled for elective craniotomy at Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital were included in this randomized clinical trial. Patients were divided into two groups, with one group receiving ultrasound-guided blocks and the other relying on anatomical landmarks. The results indicated a higher overall success rate for ultrasound-guided blocks at 72%, compared to 24% for landmark-guided blocks. However, the differences in success rates for individual nerves were not statistically significant. The study concludes that ultrasound guidance may enhance the efficacy of scalp blocks and recommends further research to optimize techniques and increase sample sizes.