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Published on: June 2, 2014
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Frontal site surgery for chronic migraine therapy
Giorgio Raposio1, Andrea Antonini2, Alessandro Gualdi3
1Plastic Surgery Chair, Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genova, Italy. giorgioraposio@hotmail.it.
Acta Bio-Medica : Atenei Parmensis
|December 6, 2023
Summary
Surgical treatment involving neurolysis of the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves effectively treats chronic frontal migraines. This procedure offers significant symptom reduction and a low complication rate for drug-resistant cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Chronic inflammation of cranial nerves, specifically the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves, is theorized to cause frontal migraines.
- Surgical intervention, including complete neurolysis of these nerves, is a treatment option for intractable cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of surgical neurolysis for chronic, drug-resistant frontal migraines.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 98 patients with drug-resistant frontal migraines underwent surgical neurolysis between 2011 and 2022.
- Patient outcomes were assessed using a specific questionnaire at three months and one year post-surgery.
Main Results:
- An 87% success rate (≥50% reduction in monthly migraine attacks) was observed at three months, with 32% achieving complete recovery.
- These positive outcomes were sustained at the one-year follow-up.
- Complications, primarily transient paresthesias and dysesthesias, were infrequent and resolved spontaneously.
Conclusions:
- Surgical neurolysis of the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves provides significant therapeutic benefits for chronic frontal migraines.
- The procedure demonstrates a favorable safety profile with a low incidence of manageable complications.
