Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Chronic headache migraine

According to the American Migraine Foundation, there are 144 million people in the world who suffer from migraines, with it being 2-3 more times more common in women than men (1). Along with the pain that comes with migraines, most people also suffer from a lower quality of life. Many people who have migraines missed work or school, unable to do some of their duties and have a loss of productivity. The good news is that there are treatments emerging that can help bring relief to those who suffer from chronic migraine pain.

In a recent study, published in The Journal of Headache and Pain, researchers shared the results of testing occipital nerve stimulation for helping reduce chronic pain to those suffering from migraines. The 53 patients taking part in the study were all from the same treatment centre. They each received an occipital nerve stimulator implant. The stimulator consisting of leads, electrodes and an implantable pulse generator. The results of the study showed participants had a 30 percent or more decline in the number of days each month that they had moderate to severe headaches (2).

Study patients had 15 or more headaches per month for at least a three-month period. Having a 30 percent reduction, as resulted in this recent study, brings some hope that many would have a higher quality of life as a result of less frequent migraine headaches. The occipital nerve stimulation treatment may be an option that those with the condition may want to look into. The treatment involves permanent wires being inserted into the back of the head, which are connected to an implanted battery. The stimulator sends a small amount of electrical current to the nerves, which ends up masking the pain that would otherwise be felt with the device in place.

This procedure is currently not FDA approved in the United States; however, it is being offered in some areas, as an “off-label” procedure. The medical provider may first perform a trial to see if the electrical stimulation helps bring pain relief, before going forward with the surgical implantation. This is done to see if the patient responds to the treatment before conducting the surgery.

Occipital nerve stimulation therapy is considered to be generally safe, with there being minimal risks involved. It is one more therapeutic tool that people can turn to who suffer from chronic pain as a result of monthly headaches. Those who have chronic headaches may want to speak with their doctor about the treatment option to see if they would be a good candidate.

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