According to the International Headache Society, migraine headache is a recurrent disorder with attacks lasting anywhere from four hours to three days. Migraine headaches are associated with unilateral location, pulsating quality, moderate or severe intensity and other symptoms such as nausea, photophobia, and/or phonophobia.

WHAT IS MIGRAINE HEADACHE SURGERY?

The procedure was developed by plastic surgeon Dr. Guyuron who observed that some patients reported improvement or elimination of migraine symptoms after cosmetic forehead lifts. In studies conducted by his research group, clinical evaluation and diagnostic injections of botulinum toxin were used to locate trigger sites.

The treatment is based on the theory that migraine

headaches arise due to inflammation of trigeminal nerve branches in the head and neck caused by irritation of the surrounding structures. The modern surgical procedure to treat migraine headaches varies according to the individual’s migraine trigger site.The procedure involves identifying a patient’s predominant migraine trigger site and transecting the branches of the trigeminal nerve supplying that area of head and neck. The relevant nerve sections, muscles, fascia and/or vessels are removed. This technique could potentially be used to treat other types of headache.

The surgical procedures are performed under general anesthesia in an ambulatory care setting and take an average of an hour.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM MIGRAINE HEADACHE SURGERY?

All headaches are not migraines. So, only those patients who have been diagnosed with migraines by a neurologist can opt for the surgery. Patients with sites of nerve compression that can be identified with a high degree of confidence can go for this surgery.

Several other factors are considered, including the efficacy (or failure) of medical treatment, side effects of medications and the severity of the migraines. Patients with a favorable response to Botox® or local anesthetic injections are generally good candidates for migraine surgery.

WHAT ARE THE SUCCESS RATES OF MIGRAINE SURGERY?

Success rates above 70 percent have been observed in studies. About a third of all patients report experiencing total relief of their migraines. Patients also report an improvement in migraine frequency, duration, intensity and in health-related quality-of-life.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OF MIGRAINE SURGERY?

Treatment of migraines around the eye might actually improve the appearance of the forehead by decreasing wrinkles and correcting sagging eyebrows. Complications, if any, are minor and temporary and may include wound healing problems, nerve injuries, bleeding and failure of surgery to ameliorate the headaches.

HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY?

Most of the incisions are well hidden, either in the scalp or in the upper eyelid.

Slight bruising and swelling may occur but typically resolves within two weeks. Most patients are able to return to their usual activities in the same time frame. Some patients might be asked to avoid strenuous exercise for up to three weeks.

To learn more about migraine headache surgery in Phoenix AZ, call Elite Plastic Surgery at 480-291-6895.