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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
09:35
Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Field Stimulation for Refractory Facial Pain
Published on: May 10, 2017
[Cluster headache and other trigeminal-autonomic headaches]
1Centre d'urgence des céphalées, hôpital Lariboisière, 2, rue Ambroise-Paré, 75010 Paris, France. dominique.valade@lrb.aphp.fr
Summary
Cluster headache is a severe, unilateral head pain disorder with episodic and chronic forms. Diagnosis relies on patient history, with treatments including oxygen, sumatriptan, and preventative medications like verapamil.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
Context:
- Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder characterized by severe unilateral retro-orbital pain.
- It presents in episodic and chronic forms with distinct attack frequencies and durations.
Purpose:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of cluster headache diagnosis and management.
- To outline current treatment strategies for acute attacks and long-term prevention.
Summary:
- Cluster headache affects men more frequently and involves intense unilateral pain with autonomic symptoms.
- Diagnosis is primarily clinical, requiring no further tests.
- Acute treatments include oxygen therapy and injectable sumatriptan. Preventative options include verapamil, lithium, and topiramate. Corticosteroid injections and hypothalamic stimulation surgery are options for refractory cases.
Impact:
- This information aids clinicians in diagnosing and managing cluster headaches effectively.
- It highlights the range of therapeutic options available for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
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