Migraine Surgery
Our board-certified plastic surgeon offers a unique solution for chronic migraines. We provide specialized care to help you find relief when other treatments have failed.
Relief from chronic migraines: exploring migraine surgery
For millions of people, living with chronic migraines means a life interrupted by debilitating pain, light sensitivity, and nausea. Although many people turn to medications and lifestyle changes for relief, these options aren’t always enough. Migraine surgery might provide lasting relief for people with chronic migraines who have exhausted traditional therapies.
As a leader in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Reid Health offers this innovative procedure to help people in East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio find a new path forward, free from constant migraine headaches.
What is migraine surgery?
Migraine surgery, also known as nerve decompression, is a specialized surgical procedure that addresses the underlying cause of certain types of migraine headaches. The procedure is based on the idea that some migraine symptoms are caused by a specific nerve being compressed or irritated by surrounding tissue. A plastic surgeon carefully identifies and releases these nerves, which are often located in common migraine trigger points around the head and face.
By decompressing the nerve, migraine surgery can reduce or eliminate migraine symptoms and provide lasting relief.
Benefits of migraine surgery
The primary purpose of migraine surgery is to reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine headaches. The goal is to stop migraines completely, but success often means much fewer symptoms. Many people who have the surgery report a dramatic improvement in their quality of life.
If you haven’t found relief from other treatments, migraine surgery could be a life-changing option that gives you freedom from constant pain and allows you to return to your daily life.
Who qualifies for migraine surgery?
You might be a good candidate for surgery if you meet certain criteria:
- You have received a diagnosis of chronic migraines: Chronic migraine is when someone has more than 15 headache days per month.
- Other treatments haven’t been successful: Providers usually suggest migraine surgery only after trying medications or less invasive treatments first. If those treatments don’t offer relief, you might benefit from surgery.
- You are healthy: You should be physically healthy before you have migraine surgery.
Risks and considerations
Migraine surgery isn’t a cure for all types of migraines. It’s a highly specialized procedure most effective for people whose migraines are caused by specific nerve compression.
As with any surgery, it comes with certain risks. You might experience temporary swelling and bruising. Less common risks include numbness. Your surgeon will review the specific risks and possible side effects in detail.
Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is the best way to lower your risks and ensure the best possible outcome.
What to expect
Surgery for migraine headaches is an outpatient procedure, which means you can usually go home the same day. Surgeons often use general anesthesia to put you to sleep, so you won’t feel any pain.
Your surgeon will make small incisions in the upper eyelid, behind the hairline, or the back of the head, depending on the location of your migraine trigger points. Next, the surgeon carefully decompresses the specific nerves by removing the muscle, blood vessels, or surrounding tissue placing extra pressure on the nerve.
Recovery
During recovery, you might experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the treated areas. You can manage these side effects with medication.
You’ll likely be able to return to work and light activities within a few days to a week. But your surgeon will advise you to avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.
The full effects of the surgery might take a few months to become apparent as the nerves heal.
Why choose Reid Health?
At Reid Health, our plastic surgeon is highly skilled in this specialized field. Our team offers a comprehensive, compassionate approach to your care. We’re committed to your safety and provide personalized guidance from your initial consultation through recovery. With Reid, you can trust you’re receiving the highest quality of care from a team dedicated to helping you find lasting relief from migraine disease.