Neuromodulation in treatment of refractory headaches

The field of neuromodulation is emerging as a promising and alternative therapeutical option for many drug-resistant clinical conditions, including painful syndromes such as refractory chronic cluster headache (CCH) and trigeminal neuralgia. We here report a series of patients who have undergone Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of Posterior Hypothalamus for chronic cluster headache, trigeminal neuralgia and atypical facial pain, matching their corresponding clinical results and also suggesting a role for Great Occipital Nerve Stimulation (which is a much less invasive procedure) in the treatment of CCH. According to us, the refinement of surgical techniques and of metabolic and functional brain neuroradiological investigations will lead to a refinement of the therapeutical strategies in such patients.