Treatment of refractory chronic cluster headache by chronic occipital nerve stimulation

• DOI: 10.1177/0333102411412086
• Publication Date: 2011-07-05T00:36:56Z
• Authors: Denys Fontaine; Jean Christophe Sol; Sylvie Raoul; Nelly Fabre; Gilles Geraud; Christine Magne; Charlotte Sakarov...; Michel Lanteri-Minet
• Keywords: Cluster headache; Occipital nerve stimulation; Refractory (planetary science); Chronic Migraine

Greater occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) has been recently proposed to treat severe chronic cluster headache patients (CCH) refractory medical treatment. We report the results of a French multidisciplinary cohort study.Thirteen CCH were operated and data collected prospectively. All them suffered from according International Headache Society classification, lasting for more than 2 years, pharmacological prophylactic treatment with adequate trials, at least one daily attack. Chronic ONS was delivered through subcutaneous electrode connected an implanted generator, in order induce paraesthesias perceived locally lower region.After surgery (mean follow-up 14,6 months), mean attack frequency intensity decreased by 68% 49%, respectively. At last follow-up, 10/13 considered as responders (improvement >50%). Prophylactic could be stopped or reduced 8/13 cases. Local infection occurred patient, leading hardware removal.Our confirmed 36 similar cases reported literature, suggesting that may act CH. Considering their respective risks, should before deep brain patients.