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Invasive Procedure for Migraine Headaches

Migraine headaches are more than just an inconvenience. They are actually an excruciating and debilitating experience. Best described as an intense, throbbing headache, migraines also cause vision problems, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and even tingling in the hands and feet. Luckily, researchers are continually working to find a permanent cure for these terrible headaches. The newest treatment on the horizon is minor corrective surgery, and so far, it is promising.

  1. Doctors

    • Consult with your health care provider. He or she may be able to help you find out if surgical treatment for migraines is available in your area. This is a fairly new procedure, and it may be difficult to locate a doctor who is willing and able to perform corrective surgery of this type. When you do find a doctor who performs this kind of treatment, collect his or her information and continue to look for other doctors offering the procedure. Do not simply settle for the first doctor you find; make sure to shop around until you find a doctor you are comfortable with.

    Insurance

    • Call your insurance company. Because of the novelty of the procedure, insurance may not cover this kind of treatment right now. Make sure you can afford a surgical treatment if your insurance will not cover it.

    Considerations

    • Meet with the doctor prior to beginning treatment. Ensure you are fully aware of what will take place. This surgery entails removal of several facial muscles and nerves, which is irreversible. There may be serious side effects, such as permanent numbness, and there is no guarantee the surgery will be effective. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with other, non-invasive options before committing to the surgery.

    Surgery

    • Realize that surgery may not be a viable option for you. At the current time, doctors do not know exactly what causes migraines. Because different people seem to have migraines that respond to different kinds of treatments, there are certain requirements someone must meet in order to try surgery. A doctor must determine that someone's migraines originate in specific areas of the head, and these areas must be responsive to the paralyzing agent Botox prior to surgery. If Botox effectively stops a migraine by freezing trigger points, then surgery is likely be successful. If Botox is ineffective, then you will not be a candidate for surgery.

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