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Occipital Nerve Stimulation

I have been diagnosed with new daily persistent headaches and have had a migraine since February 2013 with not one single day of relief. I have tried everything, been hospitalized at the Diamond Clinic in Chicago, Botox, every type of medication you can think of, acupuncture, etc... Well, I went in for a nerve block yesterday since the doctor told me if I respond slightly to the Occipital Nerve Block, I could start talking to him about having Occipital Nerve Stimulation surgery. My pain level has decreased from a level 7 to a 5 in just 2 days which is the best I have felt in a long time. I guess what I am asking on here is, has any one had this procedure completed before? I know about the trial process and how it can be pretty invasive. I have watched so many YouTube videos, it's ridiculous. I just need to know patient experience and how it is working for real people. I am really kind of excited about it since this might be a great step for me but I have also heard it can be a tad bit expensive since insurance doesn't approve it very often. Thank you so much for your responses! Hope one day there is a cure for all of this!!!!! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Lynsi

  1. Lynsi,
    I have not had this procedure and have hears mixed results. Seems like the best you should hope for is a reduction in the Migraines and be able to manage them better.

    You may want to visit this link below. Another community member just had one put in this summer and had great results. Also in this forum is a link to a blog discussing someone else's journey.

    I hope this helps!
    Katie
    Migraine.Com Moderator

    https://migraine.com/topic/neurostimulator-implant-surgery/#post-56359

    1. Lynsi,
      I have not had this procedure and have hears mixed results. Seems like the best you should hope for is a reduction in the Migraines and be able to manage them better.

      You may want to visit this link below. Another community member just had one put in this summer and had great results. Also in this forum is a link to a blog discussing someone else's journey.

      I hope this helps!
      Katie
      Migraine.Com Moderator

      https://migraine.com/topic/neurostimulator-implant-surgery/#post-56359

      1. Hi Lynsi,
        I've have a neuro-stimulator implant. My surgery was July 2013 and I am extremely happy. You can see my story called A Migraineur's Life posted December 2014. Check out reedmigraine.com. Let me know if you have any questions.
        Good Luck!
        Kim

        1. Hi Lynsi,

          I have also had occipital lobe implants and now I am seeing a neurological surgeon to put more wires across my forehead. It turns out I suffer from chronic and classic migraines. I will have to fight with the insurance again to cover the surgery. Erdington5

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