Promising
Long Term Treatment for Chronic Headache Sufferers
For the more than 45 million
Americans who suffer from chronic headaches, relief may be on the way in the
form of an electric pulse, according to a study presented at the
ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2013 annual meeting. Electric stimulation of the peripheral
nerve reduced average headache intensity by more than 70 percent.
With electric stimulation of the
peripheral nerve, a thin insulated wire is implanted in the back of the head
(occipital nerve) or in the forehead above the eyebrow (supraorbital nerve) and
delivers electric pulses to block pain. The study looked into the safety and
long-term usefulness of this treatment.
"This
treatment offers hope to those patients and a chance for a major improvement in
quality of life."
The study monitored 46 patients who
received peripheral nerve stimulation between 2005 and 2012. Follow-up phone
interviews were conducted to determine subsequent headache intensity, frequency
of headaches per month, complications and overall satisfaction with the
treatment.
The study found that both headache
intensity and frequency decreased significantly. The average headache intensity
was reduced by more than 70 percent. The average number of "headache
days" decreased from 28 to 14 per month. Ninety percent of patients were
satisfied with the treatment, with one reporting more than eight years of
reduced headache intensity and frequency.
A drawback of the treatment is its
relatively high level of complications, which include electrode migration,
equipment problems and infection. The study authors state that as physicians
gain experience with implantation techniques, complications will decrease.
"This is a real breakthrough
for chronic headache sufferers," explained Dr. Huh. "For patients
with no other options to relieve their pain and suffering, this treatment is a
way for them to get their life back."
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by American Society of
Anesthesiologists (ASA),
via Newswise.
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American Society of
Anesthesiologists (ASA) (2013, October 13). Promising long-term treatment for
chronic headache sufferers. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 15, 2013,
from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131013163311.htm