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Cluster headache and the sympathetic nerve
J Albertyn1, R Barry, C L Odendaal
1Departments of Neurosurgery, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Headache
|February 6, 2004
Summary
A C7 sympathetic nerve block effectively treated cluster headache attacks in most patients. This procedure may be key in aborting headache clusters, offering relief when other treatments fail.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Cluster headache is a debilitating neurological condition.
- Eleven patients with cluster headache were enrolled in the study.
Observation:
- A sympathetic block at the C7 level was performed using bupivacaine hydrochloride and methylprednisolone acetate.
- The injection was administered during acute attacks in 6 patients, resulting in immediate and complete pain relief.
- In 5 patients treated between attacks, 8 out of 11 achieved remission, with some requiring repeat injections.
Findings:
- The sympathetic nerve block at C7 demonstrated efficacy in aborting acute cluster headache attacks.
- A significant number of patients (8/11) experienced remission of their cluster cycle following the procedure.
- Three patients did not respond to the sympathetic block treatment.
Implications:
- Sympathetic nerve blockade at C7 is a viable therapeutic option for managing cluster headaches.
- This procedure may play a crucial role in aborting cluster headache cycles.
- Surgical sympathectomy could be considered for refractory cases unresponsive to conservative treatments.