Occipital nerve stimulation appears to be a promising new treatment for migraine and cluster headaches. Phase II trials performed by Medtronics, the manufacturer of one type of stimulator, have been positive. This stimulator requires implantation of a stimulator wire next to the occipital nerves and a separate incision to implant a stimulator device with a battery in the upper chest. A recent report suggests that the same effect can be achieved by implanting a small self-contained device without the need for wires, large battery, or a separate incision. This “Bion Microstimulator” has not been subjected to any extensive studies similar to ones performed by Medtronics, but the preliminary data looks promising.
Occipital nerve stimulation appears to be a promising new treatment for migraine and cluster headaches. Phase II trials performed by Medtronics, the manufacturer of one type of stimulator, have been positive. This stimulator requires implantation of a stimulator wire next to the occipital nerves and a separate incision to implant a stimulator device with a battery in the upper chest. A recent report suggests that the same effect can be achieved by implanting a small self-contained device without the need for wires, large battery, or a separate incision. This “Bion Microstimulator” has not been subjected to any extensive studies similar to ones performed by Medtronics, but the preliminary data looks promising.