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Controversy

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Migraine Surgery

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Abstract

Polarized is an understatement when talking about migraine surgery. To date, there has been no substantial discussion about the surgical treatment of migraine headache. Instead, fierce opposition and unscientific arguments abound. Yet, denial is no criticism. The resection of the corrugator muscles is not a new or experimental procedure. It is rather the application of this procedure in patients suffering from migraine that is relatively new. There has been no study which falsified the concept of migraine surgery. Instead, there have been numerous studies from various groups in different countries which showed comparable results. The rationale for surgical decompression of pericranial nerves in migraine is that irritation of pericranial tissues induces inflammation and peptide release in the meninges and triggers migraine headaches. The underlying interaction of peripheral and central mechanisms would warrant interdisciplinary efforts to further investigate this treatment option. The ultimate goal of introducing a new therapeutic modality is not to satisfy the adherents of traditional beliefs but rather to contribute to improved patient care. So far, however, when it comes to the role of the periphery, the neurologists missed the boat with a resounding splash.

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  1. Medsteps AG, Cham, Switzerland

    Thomas Muehlberger

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Muehlberger, T. (2018). Controversy. In: Migraine Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78117-4_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78117-4_8

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