Migraine surgery

What is migraine surgery?

Migraine surgery is performed through small surgical procedures where specific nerves (called trigger points) in the forehead, temples or neck are freed from tissues that are pressing on them. During the operation, the nerve is released so that the pressure is reduced, which can lead to fewer and milder migraine attacks or to the complete disappearance of migraines.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and the patient can go home the same day or the next day. This can relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce inflammation, and thus reduce both the number and severity of attacks for those most severely affected.

Scandinavian Center for Migraine Surgery

Migraine surgery is a relatively new treatment method that has become relevant for patients who do not respond to standard medications or injection treatments. The surgery was developed in the early 2000s in the United States, and the method has since spread to several countries with over a hundred scientific publications as a basis.

Research indicates that migraine is one of the world's most common and most disabling diseases, and in Sweden it is estimated that over a million adults suffer from migraine attacks that affect both work and private life. Stört's experience with the surgery is in the USA, but in Europe and other continents many clinics offer migraine surgery.

Elite Clinic is the only clinic in Sweden that offers migraine surgery. That is why we have founded Scandinavian Center for Migraine Surgery to take care of our patients in the best possible way and with qualified multidisciplinary care.

At the Scandinavian Center for Migraine Surgery, Dr. Reza Tabrisi is responsible for the investigation and assessment of patients. He is a specialist in neurology and plastic surgery from Örebro University Hospital and has experience in neurosurgery, neurology, plastic surgery and migraine surgery for some time. He conducts research in both neuropsychiatry and plastic surgery. In addition, he has reported the first case of Tolosa Hunt Syndrome (an uncommon headache diagnosis) that has been cured by migraine surgery.

This is how the investigation and treatment goes:

1 Ibefore the visit
Before the visit, you must fill out a questionnaire and submit it. This forms the basis for the neurological assessment.

2. Neurological assessment
The patient first undergoes a neurological examination to ensure that he or she is truly suffering from migraine and not some other form of headache. The examination includes, among other things, a thorough neurological examination, a review of medications, possible ultrasound examination of the nerves and, if necessary, an X-ray examination of the brain and cervical spine with CT or MRI.

3. Trigger point testing
At the first visit, a blockade will be applied with local anesthesia, possibly cortisone and botulinum toxin A, to find any trigger points that trigger headaches.

Who can be helped?

Research shows that migraine surgery primarily helps patients who have had frequent, disabling migraine attacks despite other treatment, and where other possible causes have been ruled out. Patients are carefully selected through clinical assessment by a neurologist, imaging studies, and other neurological examinations.

Results and risks

Studies show clear improvements after surgery: Between 68% and 100% of patients report noticeable improvement, and up to 87% experience that their migraines have almost completely disappeared. The most common side effects, such as numbness or tingling around the surgical area, are usually transient. Approximately 32% report some side effects, but serious complications are rare. The frequency and intensity of attacks are significantly reduced, according to both patient reports and statistical evaluations. However, a smaller proportion, approximately 4–33%, do not benefit from the surgery at all. The reason is still unclear and remains to be mapped out through research.

Scientific support

International research summaries from PubMed and other sources emphasize that surgical migraine treatment is well tolerated and provides safe and noticeable relief in carefully selected patient groups after a thorough neurological evaluation.

Below are some links about migraine surgery and surgery results:

Surgical treatment delay in patients with headache disorders and neuralgia correlates with poor postoperative outcome – PubMed

The Efficacy of Migraine Surgery in Reducing Pharmacological Treatment Requirements - PubMed

Are you curious about whether migraine surgery can relieve your migraines? Contact us for a consultation where we will explore your options!