Some people experience chronic headaches that can last for extended periods of time, even up to several days. These headaches are often quite severe and are accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, flashes of light, blind spots, and sound sensitivity. Hormonal and nerve changes may be the cause of migraines. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensations in the face, and may be the origin of migraines.
Trigger Points
The area of origin of a migraine is called the trigger point. The frontal trigger point is the forehead. The temporal trigger point is the temple. The occipital trigger point is the back of the head. Identification of one's trigger point is important for determining the correct surgical treatment that may significantly decrease the effects of a migraine, or completely eliminate migraines.
Study Methods and Results
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery published a study on the effects of plastic surgery on migraines. Seventy-five patients were selected to participate in a double-blind study to test the effect of plastic surgery on migraine occurrence. Surgery can involve removing part of the muscle and inserting fatty tissue around the nerve.
All patients had surgery, although no changes were made for 26 surgeries, labeled "sham" surgeries. Fifteen of the sham surgery patients experienced an improvement of more than 50 percent, and one experienced no further migraine occurrences. Forty-nine participants had the actual surgery. Forty-one of those individuals reported greater than 50 percent improvement, while 28 reported no further migraine occurrences.
Botox
Botox injections can also alleviate migraine symptoms. Botox is most well known for the removal of wrinkles from the face. It is also used for other conditions such as excessive underarm sweating and uncontrollable blinking of the eyes. It may also be a good indicator of whether or not surgery may be beneficial.
Muscles are controlled by nerve impulses. Muscle tension can be a cause of migraines. Botox blocks the nerve impulses between the nerve and the muscle, a condition known as paralysis, so pain is alleviated. If a patient responds to Botox, it may be an indicator that he or she will respond well to surgery.
Electrical Nerve Stimulation
While the double-blind study was related to blocking or inhibiting nerve impulses, another surgical procedure stimulates the nerves. Electrodes are inserted over the trigger point and connected to a battery pack that is also inserted into the body. A remote control can be used by the patient to stimulate the nerves when necessary. The stimulation disrupts the pain impulses in effect canceling them out.
Resources
- ABC News: Experimental Surgery Blocks Migraine Pain
- New York Times: Plastic Surgery May Also Ease Migraines
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