Phoenix, AZ – September, 2016 – Migraine is a common headache disorder. It is a recurrent disorder and attacks can last from 4 to 72 hours. Migraine headaches include unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate or severe intensity and associated symptoms such as nausea and photophobia.MIGRAINE SURGERY PROCEDURE
Migraines have long been associated with the compression and irritation of key nerves in the face and head. Migraine surgery reduces the irritation and compression, either by correcting the tissue surrounding the nerves or by blocking the pain signals.
Based on the fact that migraine headaches arise due to inflammation of trigeminal nerve branches in the head and neck caused by irritation of the surrounding structures, migraine surgery has proven to be a lasting solution for migraine headaches. The patient’s predominant migraine trigger site is identified. Then the branches of the trigeminal nerve, supplying that area of head and neck are transected. The relevant nerve sections, muscles, fascia and/or vessels are removed. This technique can potentially be used to treat other types of headaches as well.
The migraine surgery procedure was developed by plastic surgeon Dr. BahmanGuyuron. He observed that some patients who had cosmetic forehead lifts often reported improvement or elimination of migraine symptoms post-surgery. In studies conducted by Dr. Guyuron’s research group, clinical evaluation and diagnostic injections of botulinum toxin were used to locate trigger sites. The specific surgical procedure varies according to the individual’s migraine trigger site.
CANDIDATES FOR MIGRAINE SURGERY IN PHOENIX, AZ
• Patients who have been diagnosed with migraines by a neurologist
• Patients with sites of nerve compression identifiable with a high degree of confidence
• Other factors are considered, like effectiveness of conservative treatment, side effects of medications and the severity of the migraines are also considered. Patients with a favorable response to Botox® or local anesthetic injections are generally good candidates for migraine surgery.
SUCCESS RATES
Every patient is different but most studies have shown success rates above 70 percent, with roughly one-third of the patients experiencing total relief of their migraines. Patients also report an improvement in migraine frequency, duration, intensity and in quality of life.
RISKS
Complications include wound healing problems, nerve injuries, bleeding and failure of surgery to ameliorate the headaches.Most of the incisions are well hidden, either in the scalp or in the upper eyelid.
RECOVERY
Slight bruising and swelling post-surgery may be seen. It typically resolves within two weeks. Most patients are able to return to their usual activities in 2 weeks. For that period, patients might be asked to avoid strenuous exercise for up to three weeks.
To know more about migraine surgery, call Elite Plastic Surgery in Phoenix, AZ at 480-291-6895 or visit www.eliteplasticsurgery.com.