If you're plagued by chronic migraines and are seeking a solution, migraine surgery might be the answer. This minimally invasive surgical procedure is designed to address headaches caused by compressed sensory nerves at specific "trigger points." These trigger points can be located in various areas, including the forehead, temples, back of the head, or inside the nose. Migraine surgery aims to alleviate the pressure on these trigger points, providing relief.
Migraine surgery offers long-term relief for individuals whose lives are negatively impacted by severe or chronic migraines. These headaches may be caused by compressed peripheral or occipital nerves located in the forehead, temples, back of head, or inside the nose. Dr. Matthew McLeod initiated the minimally-invasive migraine surgery program to assist those with chronic migraines who have exhausted other treatment options.
If you have tried treating your migraines through lifestyle changes, medications, BOTOX injections, nerve block, or neuromodulation and found these non-surgical treatments to be unsuccessful, our surgical approach can provide relief, allowing you to return to a normal lifestyle.
Candidates for migraine surgery should be in good health and have a formal diagnosis from a neurologist, have found non-surgical treatments ineffective, and should maintain realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the surgery.
Before opting for surgery, it's important to consider non-surgical treatments for migraines, which can often bring relief. These treatments include:
Lifestyle changes: Identifying and avoiding trigger foods, managing stress, and ensuring proper sleep can help reduce or prevent migraines.
Medications: Certain drugs can manage migraine pain and frequency, including NSAIDs, triptans, and more.
BOTOX injections: Some individuals with chronic migraines benefit from BOTOX injections in the head and neck.
Nerve block: For severe migraines, injections of numbing medication at the base of the skull can provide pain relief.
Neuromodulation: Therapies such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation use electrical stimulation to alter nerve activity.
Dr. Matthew McLeod initiated the migraine surgery program to assist those with chronic migraines who have exhausted other treatment options. If other migraine therapies have been ineffective, our surgical procedure may offer relief.
Migraine surgery is typically considered when other non-surgical treatments have been unsuccessful. A good candidate for this surgery:
Has been diagnosed with migraines or occipital neuralgia by a neurologist.
Has tried and found non-surgical treatments ineffective.
Is in good physical health.
Has realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the surgery.
To prepare for migraine surgery, carefully follow any instructions provided by your surgeon before the procedure. Disclose all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Smokers should cease smoking for at least two weeks before and after surgery, as smoking hampers recovery.
Migraine surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case. Incisions are made at or near trigger points, and surgical techniques are used to release compressed nerves, potentially involving the removal or adjustment of tissue.
In most cases, patients can return home on the same day as the surgery but will require someone to drive them. Recovery times vary, but most can resume work and regular activities within a week, with caution regarding strenuous physical activity. Bruising, swelling, and soreness at incision sites are common, but these typically subside within a week or two.
While all surgeries involve some risks, they are relatively rare in migraine surgery. General anesthesia and complications like blood clots or poor results can occur. Post-surgery complications include seroma, hematoma, muscle changes, skin numbness, and scarring in rare cases.
Migraine surgery can lead to varying degrees of improvement in migraine symptoms. For many, relief is immediate, while others may experience gradual relief over weeks or months. Success rates are generally high, with most patients enjoying long-term benefits.
The cost of migraine surgery varies based on factors like the type of surgery and its complexity. Your specific case will determine the exact cost, which will be discussed during your consultation.
There is hope for those suffering from chronic migraines. Together, we can navigate your journey towards relief.
