Migraine New Procedures

Millions of Americans suffer from migraines. Traditional treatments temporarily prevent migraine symptoms or help to relieve symptoms after the headaches begin. Several new procedures have been introduced to provide permanent relief for migraine sufferers. Nerve decompression, Botox and facial surgery are the most common new procedures for migraines.

Nerve Decompression

• A new nerve procedure first performed in 2009 by Dr. Matthew Kaufman, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon of the Plastic Surgery Center in New Jersey, is said to permanently eliminate migraine pain. Dr. Kaufmann's procedure involves the release of muscle tissue around the nerve in the area near the upper eyelid to relieve tension associated with migraines. This procedure, named nerve decompression, is an outpatient surgery that typically takes an hour. All migraine sufferers are not eligible for nerve decompression surgery. To be considered, patients must have migraines caused by a specific trigger site and have benefited from Botox treatment over a several month timeframe. Common trigger areas include the forehead, back of the head and temples.

Botox

• A study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco uncovered evidence that Botox can be used to treat migraines. Botox contains the same bacteria that cause food poisoning which is purified to temporarily numb muscles. The University of California study indicates that when injected into common migraine trigger sites such as muscles in the brow, forehead, eyes and the side and back of the head, Botox can provide immediate migraine relief that can last up to six months. According to the University of California, there are no published trials that indicate the safety and effectiveness of Botox as a treatment for migraines. One of the drawbacks of using Botox to treat migraines is cost. Unlike other prescription drugs and nasal sprays used to treat migraines, Botox is not covered by insurance companies and costs about $350 for each injection site.

Facila Surgery

• In a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Bahman Guyuron suggests that facial surgery that involves removal of small portions of muscles and nerve tissues that trigger migraines could provide long-term relief for migraine sufferers. The study divided a group of 75 patients into two groups. One group underwent a facial surgery while the other group underwent a procedure in which incisions were made but nerves and muscles were not removed. The year after the study, 57 percent of those who had the face-lift procedure reported complete recovery from migraines. One patient experienced constant forehead numbness while several other patients experienced slight but constant hollowing of the temple area following the facial surgery. While the results of the study prove the effectiveness of the procedure in treating migraine patients who respond well to Botox treatment, doctors believe that the procedure will not be widely used.