ENDOSCOPIC DECOMPRESSION OF THE GREATER OCCIPITAL NERVE IN CHRONIC MIGRAINE: A MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGICAL APPROACH
Keywords:
chronic migraine, occipital nerve decompression, endoscopic surgery, minimally invasive technique, pain neurosurgeryAbstract
Introduction: Chronic migraine is a severe and disabling condition that is often resistant to pharmacological treatment. Objective: To present a minimally invasive endoscopic technique for decompression of the greater occipital nerve (GON) and to describe the initial clinical outcomes of this method.
Methods: The surgical approach was analyzed, including a mini-incision, endoscopic and microscopic visualization, and placement of an autologous fat flap around the GON to prevent recurrent compression.
Results: A significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, decreased postoperative pain, and shorter rehabilitation periods were observed.
Conclusion: This technique represents a promising alternative to traditional open procedures and may be recommended for patients with refractory chronic migraine.
References
Guyuron B, Reed D, Kriegler JS, Davis J, Tucker T. A placebo-controlled surgical trial of the treatment of migraine headaches. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;124(2):461-468.
Ducic I, Felder JM, Janis JE. Occipital nerve surgery for chronic headaches: An institutional experience. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;123(5):1453-1461.
Poggi JT, Grizzell BE, Helmer SD. Confirmation of surgical decompression to relieve migraine headaches. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008;122(1):115-122.
Asensio-Samper JM, Villanueva-Pérez VL, Martínez-Sanjuan V, et al. Decompression of greater occipital nerve in patients with chronic migraine: anatomical and surgical considerations. Headache. 2014;54(3):459-466.
Janis JE, Barker JC, Javadi C, Ducic I, Hagan R. A review of peripheral nerve surgery for chronic headaches. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014;134(4S):131-139.
Gfrerer L, Guyuron B. Surgical treatment of chronic migraine. Clin Plast Surg. 2014;41(2):253-262.
Mathew PG. Pathophysiology of migraine. Neurol Clin. 2019;37(4):651-671.
Asadov HF, Asadov HK, Abdulazizov AA. Minimally invasive endoscopic decompression of the greater occipital nerve: early clinical outcomes. MEDAS Medical Center Reports. 2024.
