Surgical Cures for Migraines

Although there are several theories as to what causes migraines, exactly why you get them is unknown. As a result, treatment is largely a trial and error affair. But for some people with migraines, minor heart surgery to repair a tiny opening may be the best treatment, especially if they also have a minor heart problem.

Function

• According to the University of Kentucky, some people get migraines because of complications from a hole in the heart which normally closes during birth. The surgery just closes this hole.

Identification

• People who are candidates for surgery need to have both patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraines. Sometimes people only discover they have a PFO after a stroke. After the open heart surgery to correct the PFO, medication may be given.

Significance

• It's not entirely clear if or why a PFO causes migraines, although it does predispose a person to have a stroke.

History

• According to NationMaster.com, observations of holes in ancient Mayan skulls suggest that trepanning was used for conditions like migraine. Trepanning is drilling a small hole in the skull and is not a surgical method used today.

Misconception

• In 2001, claims were made by a plastic surgeon that a combination of plastic surgery and Botox injections to the face could cure migraines. However, this is a highly experimental practice not recommended by the FDA or neurologists