Nerve decompression surgery for chronic migraine and headache
Fifty-one patients between the ages of 18 and 75 who suffered from chronic migraines and/or chronic tension-type headache affecting the front regions of the head took part in this study. This study was to test a new nerve decompression surgery for using a breakthrough minimally invasive technique. The hope was that the new method would result in fewer complications and better results.
The surgery was performed on two muscles in the mid-brow region- the procerus and corrugator supercilii muscles. Patients were given questionnaires to complete before the procedure, 6 months afterward, and then 2 years after the procedure.
Of a total of 51 patients; 22 were evaluated at 6 months and then lost follow up; After 6 months 21 of the 51 patients (41.2%) experienced no symptoms, 22 (43.1%) experienced an alleviation of the symptoms and 8 (15.7%) did not notice a difference before and after the procedure.
In total 43 patients experienced positive results after the procedure. Out of the 29 patients evaluated for 2 years, 26 patients had positive results after the surgery (89.6%)., 9 patients (31%) reported no symptoms at all, 17 (58.6%) had improvement and 3 (10.4%) reported no change in their headaches.
Frontal chronic migraine: chronic migraine affecting the front of the head, the forehead or temples
Frontal chronic tension-type headaches: Dull pain, tension or pressure in the front regions of the head.
View the original migraine surgery study at this link: Endoscopic Forehead Muscle Resection for Nerve Decompression: A Modified Procedure
