Occipital Nerve Stimulator

Hi everyone, last night on EyeWitness News at 11PM they did a brief segment on a new procedure/cure for migraine.  They called it a "occipitcal nerve stimulator."  I believe that it is implanted in your brain.  Did anybody else see this?  Has anyone heard of this?  Ann - has your headache specialist heard of this?  I have a 15 year medical record of migraine and have been on State disability for migraine (and cervical disk degeneration) but I was recently turned down to get nerve blocks.  My doctor said "go" but the HMO said "no."  I wonder what one would have to do to get this procedure done.  I would try it in a heartbeat!  Any comments?

Hi Ann, that sounds about right. The nerve block (steriod injections) are the same thing and people say that they don't always work and if they do they are very temporary. It's frustrating when they tout these things on the news because all of my caring friends and family think it is as simple as trying what was talked about on the news. They don't understand that I've tried everything (and I'm not the only one) and these things just don't work for me. :(

I have done a lot of research on a Vagus Nerve Stimulator. It is an implanted device that had electrodes attacked to the vagus nerve in the neck, and a battery inplanted in your chest area. I even got the full approval of my neuro. They use it all the time for epilepsy. . I just can't pay $30,000 for the surgery and I didn't catch the study they are doing for migraines in time. It is FDA approved for recurrent depression, and I deal with that too, so I may press for it in that way. I'd just say, research, reasearch, research. I know there is a VNS forum and they have a lot to say, good and bad. I do not know much at all about the ONS but assume they work in a simular manner.

thanks for your input. I live in Cali and have an HMO. They automatically DENY everything and make me appeal. Nevermind that my neuro, orthopedica and anesthisologist/pain doc recommend something. I guess I shouldn't be upset with the news - they are just doing their job but they just "tease" and get me excited that something might work for me. I even have friends and family calling me and telling me to watch the news. bless their hearts. It's just discouraging when you find out its not approved or $30,000 for heavens sake. If you find a good website, let me know. I'm going to google it now.

hi guys, i can only confirm what Ann has already mentioned, though i only know of people with Cluster Headaches that have had it done, i don't have any info about migrainers success rate, but i will try and find out!!

i think that with any surgery, you have to weigh up the odds and the advantages or disadvantages this procedure may cause!!!

try and find out what ratio success it actually has before committing yourself!!

my husband has had the GONB injection twice now, first time gave him 8 weeks of VIRTUAL pf time, but not complete pf time, and it is too early to decide on this latest one!!

again not wanting to sound like the big bad witch, but it may not be the cure you are hoping for, you will still be a migrainer, only hopefully you will have more control of your life!!!!

mrs mac xxxxxx

I am actually have an ONS trial implanted on Monday.  I have had miagraines for five years and have been through all the various drugs and injections.  My doctors were holding this out as a last options.  I also have Chiari One and that surgery did not help me at all.  I am not sure if this devise will do anything, but I am holding out hope as I have been told that this is a last option.

 

  I know this is an old thread, but just wondering if the members are still around that had the ONS surgery,

  and perhaps they could give us an update.

Thanks