Migraine surgery is a procedure that aims to treat and reduce the severity of headaches. It can also help prevent them from returning. Migraines can be caused by the irritation of vessels and sensory nerves in the head. During the surgery, these points are released to improve blood flow and decrease headache severity.
A trigger point is a type of nerve compression that can trigger a headache. Depending on the symptoms, it can be one or several different locations. The most common trigger sites are frontal, temporal, and rhinogenic pain. The occipital pain is located on the back of the head and can radiate across the skull. Other locations, such as the forehead and the inner ear, can also trigger headaches.
When You Should Consider Migraine Surgery
Migraine surgery is a highly personalized procedure that can be performed in different areas. You may be eligible for release of the trigger points at various sites depending on your condition.
If you have been diagnosed with occipital neuralgia or migraines, you might be a good candidate for this procedure. In addition to being physically healthy, you also have realistic expectations. You should have already tried various behavioral and medication therapies without success.
What to Expect During a Consultation
You will be asked to provide detailed information about yourself during the consultation. This will allow the surgeon to evaluate if you are a good candidate for the procedure. One of the most critical factors that the doctor will consider is your medical history. This information will allow them to identify areas of improvement and avoid performing procedures that were not ideal in the past.
Before the consultation, you should also prepare for a comprehensive physical exam. This will be conducted to evaluate the various aspects of your condition and determine if there is a link between peripheral nerve pathology and your migraines.
Your medical history will be discussed during the consultation. You should also be prepared to discuss your current and past medical conditions. In addition, the doctor will discuss your treatment plans and address any issues you have had with other medical conditions. These include your work history and overall lifestyle: drug allergies, alcohol, vitamins, herbal supplements, and tobacco use.
During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will also perform various physical examinations. These include an assessment of the multiple organ systems in your body.
In addition, the plastic surgeon will perform a diagnostic test to check for a link between your condition and imaging studies. This will involve reviewing your previous imaging studies, such as scans and injections.
After the evaluation, the plastic surgeon will recommend a course of treatment and discuss the possible outcomes of the procedure. They will also talk about the operation’s results and the treatment’s potential side effects.
Risks of the Procedure
During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will also explain the risks associated with the operation and the possible side effects of the treatment. They will also ask you to sign consent forms stating that you fully understand the procedure.
Some of the possible complications that can occur during the operation include: Angiotensin-converting to blood vessels (Asymmetry in muscle functions); anesthesia risks; thrombosis and pulmonary and cardiac complications; fatty tissue deposits that are found deep in the skin could die; hematoma infection; and prolonged pain.
Before you consent to the procedure, the plastic surgeon will discuss the various risks associated with the operation and the possible side effects of the treatment. You must clearly understand the risks and the likelihood of the complications you will experience. You should also be allowed to discuss all of your questions with the doctor.
If you frequently experience migraines and other forms of treatment have been ineffective, having migraine surgery may be a valid option for relieving your symptoms.