Migraine sufferers are familiar with the gamut of pharmaceutical options, from OTC medications for the occasional attack, to prescribed medications to treat chronic migraine headaches. Botox has been proven to help with chronic migraines, and over the years has becoming a more known and utilized treatment for migraine headaches. In addition, lifestyle modifications, including exercise and close monitoring of dietary and environmental triggers, are known factors when it comes to managing migraine headaches. Sometimes, these treatments and lifestyle modifications fail to provide relief. Now migraine patients have another option when it comes to finding relief from chronic migraine headaches. Migraine surgery is an outpatient procedure, known to help reduce and possibly eliminate the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine attacks.
Dr. Totonchi is proud to offer migraine surgery to his patients. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Totonchi is one of the few specialists trained by migraine surgery pioneer and innovator, Dr. Bahman Guyuron. Using state-of-the-art methods, Dr. Totonchi performs migraine surgery on qualified candidates and closely monitors his patients throughout the process.
Many patients find relief from migraine headaches after undergoing this specialized procedure, which begins with migraine diagnosis. During this phase, a neurologist reviews the patient’s medical history and migraine diagnosis and works with Dr. Totonchi to evaluate the patient and establish a plan. Patients who do not respond to or suffer from side effects from medication are usually considered for surgery. Next, an examination is conducted using a variety of diagnostic tools in order to determine a patient’s migraine trigger points. Identifying trigger points is a critical component in migraine surgery for chronic migraine patients, because surgery involves trigger point deactivation, which in turn, provides migraine relief.
There are a four main trigger points, and the same number of minor trigger points, which when deactivated, can reduce or eliminate chronic migraines and their symptoms. The main trigger points are the frontal, temporal, nasal, and occipital points. The minor trigger points are the auriculotemporal nerve, lesser occipital and third occipital. Terminal branches of these nerves can also act as trigger points in the head and neck area. These minor trigger points contain a nerve that is can be compressed or triggered due to various reasons; therefore nerve decompression through surgery can provide relief.
Once these trigger points are properly identified and clinical findings are confirmed, a recommendation can be made for migraine trigger point surgery, after which Dr. Totonchi will perform a consultation and surgical evaluation. For more information on surgical treatment and techniques, indication and neurologist working with Dr. Totonchi you can visit his migraine surgery website at: MigraineSurgery.com .
If you suffer from chronic migraine headaches and have failed to find relief using traditional treatment methods, contact one of Dr. Totonchi’s Ohio area offices for a consultation today.
