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THINGS TO KNOW

EVERYTHING ABOUT MIGRAINE SURGERY

Am I a candidate for migraine surgery?

Answer a few short questions about your symptoms and get a first assessment from our experts.

What is migraine?

Migraines are severe, painful, and recurring headaches that typically last between 4 and 72 hours. A migraine is characterized by throbbing pain or a pulsating sensation, usually on one side of the head. Additionally, nausea, vomiting, or extreme sensitivity to sounds and light may occur. In severe cases, these symptoms can be highly debilitating and interfere with your daily activities.

Although it is often said that the exact cause of migraine is still unclear, according to classic textbooks it is generally triggered by abnormal brain activity. Triggers can include caffeine withdrawal, hormonal changes, alcohol, stress, and changes in sleep patterns.

In some migraine patients, a warning symptom called an aura occurs before or together with the headache. Auras are reversible symptoms of the nervous system. They can include visual disturbances such as blind spots, flashes of light, or vision loss, or physical disorders such as numbness or tingling on one side of the face, as well as in an arm or leg. Some people also experience weakness or difficulty speaking before or during the headache.

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or believe you suffer from migraines, take part in our quiz to determine whether migraine surgery could be an option for you.

Headache Symptoms Form

Explanation

This is the reason why migraine in some patients is often accompanied by a stuffy nose and runny nose.

Explanation

The nerves in the eyebrow area that trigger migraine pain run directly under the skin. Massaging this region can provide temporary relief for migraines caused by compression of these nerves. While massages can temporarily loosen the tissue, patients who instinctively rub this area when in pain are typically candidates for migraine surgery.

Explanation

Headaches that start behind the eyes, in particular, are defined as nasal headaches. They are often accompanied by problems with the nasal septum or turbinates (conchae). Migraine can be alleviated by a simple procedure in this area. If your pain occurs primarily in these regions, you may be a candidate for migraine surgery.

Explanation

Two nerves that run through and over the temporalis muscle can trigger migraine pain when compressed or irritated. One of these nerves is located in the front temple area near the eye socket, the other in the back temple area above the front of the ear. The irritation of these nerves can be resolved by a short surgical procedure, which can lead to significant migraine relief.

Explanation

Especially with headaches that start in the neck, massages and rubbing in this area can provide some pain relief. The feeling of hardness and tension is usually very pronounced here. If pulsating headaches occur in this area, this may indicate the need for migraine surgery.

Explanation

While the zygomaticofacial nerve is located in the front temple area, the auriculotemporal nerve is located above the front of the ear. Both nerves run directly under the skin in these regions. In migraines caused by compression and inflammation of these nerves, massage can provide temporary relief. Migraine surgery is a more permanent solution that not only relieves pain but also prevents headaches from developing.

Explanation

The nerves in the neck often become tense under stress. In this case, muscle tension compresses the occipital nerves, triggering migraine pain at the back of the head and neck. The migraine may also spread to the sides or front of the head. In surgical decompression of the nerves, fatty tissue is placed next to the nerve to prevent tense muscles from causing the nerve irritation that triggers the pain. If your headache is a result of stress, you may be a candidate for this procedure.

Explanation

Some family doctors can successfully treat migraine symptoms with various medications. For more severe migraines, your family doctor may refer you to a neurologist.

Explanation

Neurologists are specialists who provide treatment plans and medications for migraine patients. Many of these modern medications can provide relief by treating migraine at onset or preventing it from developing. If your neurologist has been unable to control the pain or the medications have had unpleasant side effects, the next step might be an evaluation for migraine surgery in severe cases.

Explanation

Pain specialists can offer procedures such as nerve blocks or nerve stimulators. If these measures only provided temporary relief or failed, the next step should be consultation with a qualified surgeon who can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for migraine surgery.

Explanation

Long-term management of narcotics can be difficult. Although migraine patients do not use them "abusively," the focus on addiction prevention can make pain management with narcotics an ongoing challenge. Migraine surgery can reduce or eliminate the need for narcotics and provide a long-term solution.