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EVERYTHING ABOUT MIGRAINE SURGERY
Migraine FAQ
Comprehensive answers to your questions regarding causes, symptoms, and modern surgical options to provide you with maximum clarity on your path to a life free from pain.
Migraine Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions
The decision for a surgical treatment of migraine is a decisive step toward a new, pain-free life. To provide you with maximum security and clarity, we have compiled the most important questions and facts regarding our modern procedures, the surgical process, and the long-term prospects of success. Our goal is to dispel your doubts and show you the way to a permanent relief of your symptoms.
What exactly is a migraine surgery?
It is a nerve decompression procedure in which peripheral nerves in the head and neck area that are trapped in muscles, fascia, blood vessels, or bones are relieved. This prevents faulty pain signals from being transmitted from the skin surface to the brain.
Is the surgery performed in a hospital?
The procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia. A one-day hospital stay is usually completely sufficient.
Can other types of headaches be treated in this way?
Partially, yes. In addition to classic migraines, we achieve significant pain relief through nerve decompression for tension headaches, cluster headaches, post-traumatic headaches, and occipital neuralgia. However, since the primary function is to combat migraines, the procedure is technically referred to as migraine surgery.
How many migraine trigger zones are there?
There are 4 main zones and several secondary areas. The main zones include the forehead, the temples, the back of the neck, and the area behind the eyes.
Does the aura disappear after the migraine surgery?
Yes, in many patients, the aura disappears permanently after the procedure.
Do other migraine symptoms subside alongside the pain?
Yes. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, as well as sensitivity to light, sound, and smell decrease significantly.
How long does the surgery take?
The procedure takes about 20 to 40 minutes per treated zone.
Is migraine surgery risky?
No. As with any surgical procedure, there are general risks, but specific side effects are rare. These may include temporary itching, sensitivity, numbness, or slight hair thinning.
How long does the aftercare take?
The healing process of the patients is monitored over a period of one year after the surgery.
Can the migraine return?
In general, it does not return. However, scientific publications report that in about 17% of cases, smaller pain trigger points that were not detectable before the surgery are subsequently identified. These can usually be resolved through simple additional procedures.
Is there an age limit for the procedure?
In specialized literature, application for patients aged between 12 and 70 is described.
Is surgery the first choice of treatment?
No. Initially, long-term treatment by neurologists should be pursued. If no solution is found after exhausting all medication options and follow-ups, migraine surgery is an effective last resort.
Is the migraine surgery performed everywhere?
Yes, it is now practiced by qualified plastic surgeons in almost all developed countries.
How was the migraine surgery discovered?
It was discovered by chance by the American plastic surgeon Dr. Bahman Guyuron. He noticed that patients who underwent a forehead or eyebrow lift reported that their migraines disappeared. This led to anatomical studies, the development of specialized techniques, and numerous medical textbooks.
Do you have any further questions?
Our expert team is at your disposal to personally address all your questions and concerns.