Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society
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Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is proposed to treat refractory chronic cluster headache (rCCH), but its cost-effectiveness has not been evaluated, limiting its diffusion and reimbursement. ⋯ Considering the burden of rCCH and the efficacy and safety of ONS, the demonstration that ONS is dominant should help its diffusion, validation, and reimbursement by health authorities in this severely disabled population.
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Case Reports
Long-Term Outcomes of Occipital Nerve Stimulation for New Daily Persistent Headache With Migrainous Features.
New daily persistent headache (NDPH) is a subset of chronic headache where the pain is continuous from onset. Phenotypically it has chronic migraine or chronic tension type features. NDPH is considered to be highly refractory. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) has been used for treatment of refractory chronic migraine but there are no specific reports of its use for NDPH with migrainous features. ⋯ Our experience suggests that ONS is not effective in the treatment of NDPH with migrainous features even in centers with experience in treating chronic migraine with ONS. The difference in response rates of chronic migraine and NDPH with migrainous features supports the concept of a different pathophysiology to the two conditions.
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Subcutaneous trigeminal nerve field stimulation (sTNFS) is a neuromodulatory treatment for neuropathic trigeminal pain with the ability to reduce the intensity and frequency of pain attacks. However, hardware issues including lead migration, skin erosion, infection, so-called pocket pain at the site of the implanted neurostimulator are reported. Implantable wireless neurostimulation technology promises not only an even less invasive sTNFS treatment and thinner and more flexible electrodes better suited for facial implants, but also provides further advantages such as lack of an implantable neurostimulator and 3T magnetic resonance imaging compatibility. ⋯ The partially implantable sTNFS device seems to be safe, effective, and reliable. Compared to conventional devices, the equipment is not limited to the length of trial stimulation. Furthermore, the daily stimulation duration was much shorter compared to previous reports.
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Ocular pain symptoms (e.g., hypersensitivity to light and wind, "burning" sensations) can be debilitating and difficult to treat. Neuromodulatory therapies targeting sensory trigeminal and central pain pathways may help treat chronic ocular pain refractory to traditional therapies. The current study evaluates the long-term effects of a trigeminal neurostimulator (TNS) on ocular pain. ⋯ Our study suggests TNS is a safe, adjunctive treatment option in individuals with severe, chronic ocular pain. Individuals demonstrated gradual, continual improvement in pain symptoms over time within a multimodal approach.