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Occipital Nerve Stimulation
In occipital nerve stimulation, an electrode is placed at the back of the skull, beneath the skin, to stimulate the occipital nerves to relieve pain, migraines, cluster headaches and hemicrania (a type of headache). Occipital nerve stimulation has been used in patients who have chronic migraines or other headache conditions that do not respond well to medical treatment. In an attempt to lessen the number and intensity of headache symptoms, a stimulator is implanted at the base of the skull. Leads running from the implant carry electrodes, which are placed across one or both occipital nerves at the base of the neck. A small power source is often implanted under the collarbone, or, occasionally, in the abdomen or upper buttock. Mild electrical stimulation to the nerves, delivered by the power source, is believed to disrupt pain signals. The stimulation decreases some symptoms for some patients. |