Could Migraine Surgery Be the Long-Term Relief You Need?
Life with chronic migraines is exhausting. Feeling like nothing can hold the pain at bay can make you feel hopeless and caught in a vicious cycle of migraines that never seem to end. If you’re at your wit’s end and searching for a new way to end migraines, you may have heard of ‘migraine surgery’.
In our blog, we will cover what migraine surgery is, who is a good candidate for it, what the procedure involves, and what you can expect in terms of outcomes. Keep reading to learn more about migraine surgery and see if it might be the best option for you.
Understanding Migraines: More Than Just a Bad Headache
Migraines are not fun. They’re a neurological disorder that can result in intense pain, sensitivity to light and sound, vision issues, nausea, and even temporary paralysis or loss of speech in rare cases. A lot of people find that their migraine headaches are caused by a mix of things like stress, hormonal shifts, lack of sleep, specific foods or drinks, or changes in the weather.
The disorder can often be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, and preventative strategies, but unfortunately not for all sufferers. This is where migraine surgery comes in.
What Is Migraine Surgery?
Migraine surgery is a procedure that decreases the frequency, duration, and intensity of chronic migraines. It alleviates pressure on certain nerves believed to cause migraines, significantly reducing or even eliminating your symptoms.
Trigger points are often found on your forehead, temples, back of your head, or even within your nasal cavity. When these nerves become compressed by surrounding muscles, blood vessels, or other tissues, they may become irritated and lead you to have a migraine. Surgery targets these areas in an attempt to release the pressure and halt the chain reaction of events that result in a migraine.
The Different Types of Migraine Surgery
The various approaches to migraine surgery are not a “one size fits all.” They are based on the anatomic site of the trigger and the nerves responsible for the trigger. You must have a detailed evaluation done before any treatment can be offered.
The most used procedures include:
- The decompression of the supraorbital or supratrochlear nerves in the forehead region.
- The release of the zygomaticotemporal nerve in the temple area.
- The decompression of the greater occipital nerve at the back of the head.
- The operation on the nasal turbinates in patients with triggers related to their sinuses.
Multiple sites can be treated during the same operation if multiple trigger points are identified. Each of these treatments is individualised for you and performed by your plastic surgeon who specialises in the surgery of peripheral nerves.
Who Might Be a Candidate for Migraine Surgery?
Migraine surgery isn’t for everyone. It’s not a first-line treatment and is only considered in cases where:
- You have been diagnosed with chronic migraines.
- You have at least 15 headache days per month.
- You haven’t responded well to standard treatments.
- You have a clear sense of consistent trigger sites.
It’s essential to consult with a specialist who’s familiar with both migraines and surgical intervention. They will evaluate your history, symptoms, and prior treatments to see if you’re a good fit.
What to Expect Before the Surgery
If you and your specialist decide to go ahead with the surgery, the first step is usually a consultation. At this appointment, your surgeon will ask you in-depth questions about your migraine history, medication use, and previous treatment. They might also order scans and perform physical examinations to identify your trigger sites.
This phase of pre-operative testing is very crucial. It helps your surgeon identify what they need to focus on to make the procedure as successful and customised as can be.
How the Procedure Is Performed
Migraine surgery usually takes between one and three hours, depending on the number and location of trigger sites for treatment. You can usually go home on the day or day after.
Small incisions are made over the nerve sites and the surrounding tissues that are compressing the nerves are either removed or repositioned. By doing this, the spaces around the nerves are made to last.
With recovery, there is some swelling, bruising, and discomfort which is normal and settles down within a few weeks. Most people are able to return to work and normal activities within 10-14 days.
What Are the Benefits of Migraine Surgery?
Migraine surgery can have life-changing results. The science shows that a majority of patients will experience at least a 50% improvement in migraine frequency, severity, or duration.
For some patients, migraines are completely eliminated after migraine surgery. For others, the headaches are much less disabling and patients are able to resume their normal lives. The procedure is not a cure-all, but in good candidates, it can greatly reduce or even eliminate your need to use medication.
Living with Migraines After Surgery
If the surgery is effective, your post-op life can feel like a new beginning. Planning your days without fear of a migraine can have a huge impact on all areas of your life.
It’s also possible to still have some headaches, but at a much more manageable level. In many cases, you can continue to make lifestyle changes and track triggers, but living with a chronic migraine is usually relieved significantly. Your surgeon will likely want to follow up on your recovery and provide recommendations for ongoing care or other treatments as needed.
Is Migraine Surgery Right for You?
Choosing to undergo migraine surgery is a personal decision. You should not make this decision without doing proper research first. However, if you are a good candidate, this could be the answer to providing permanent relief from migraines.
If you think you have exhausted all other options, consider looking into it with an open mind. The right evaluation from the right specialist can put you in a position to know if you are a candidate and the types of results you may have.
Book With Mr. Gwanmesia Today!
Living with chronic migraines and trying everything can be exhausting. If you’re struggling to find relief, it may be time to explore your options. Migraine surgery isn’t a miracle or a cure-all, but it might be the first step to a life without pain for the right candidate.
Schedule a consultation with Mr. Gwanmesia today to see if you’re a match, and start asking yourself if long-term relief could be closer than you think!
Migraine Surgery: FAQs
1. How can I tell if I have migraine trigger points?
Trigger points can generally be identified by following where your migraines seem to start. If you generally experience the sensation of pain starting in the same area time after time, like your temples, forehead, or the back of your head, there may be a nerve compression in that area that is causing problems. If your symptoms reduce with Botox injections, it’s a pretty good indication that you could benefit from surgery in that area.
2. Is migraine surgery available on the NHS?
Currently in the UK, migraine surgery is available on the NHS as a private procedure. This is due to the fact it’s a specialised operation and is relatively new as a treatment and not considered ‘standard’ care. You can speak to your GP about referral, private consultation options, or contact a migraine surgery private specialist directly for an assessment.
3. How long before I start to see results?
Results for many people start to be noticeable within a few weeks of the surgery as the healing process begins. Your body just needs time to recover and nerve sensitivity can take some time to subside.
4. Can I get migraines back after surgery?
In the majority of successful cases, migraine symptoms are reduced or alleviated for the long term. However, there is always a chance that you may get migraines again, especially if you develop new trigger sites later in life or if the surgery is not able to fully decompress the nerve. Continuing with follow-up and general good migraine management practices are advised.
5. What is the success rate of migraine surgery?
Clinical studies and success statistics suggest that approximately 80-90% of patients who undergo migraine surgery see meaningful relief. Around 50% may see a complete resolution of their symptoms, while others will experience fewer and/or less severe attacks. The individual variation in each case and the range of outcomes that can be achieved in the context of a successful operation means that the success rate is generally seen as positive.
6. Will I need to be on medication after surgery?
Some people can come off all medication as a result of the surgery, but others will still need an occasional helping hand. The goal of surgery is to help you become less reliant on medication and reduce the impact migraines have on your life. Even if you continue to use some, it’s generally a lot less frequent and a lot more effective than before.
