Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

Spinal Cord Stimulators

Has anyone had a spinal cord stimulator implanted to help with their migraines? I'm not talking about the Reed procedure, I'm talking about the one's used "off label". I'm in pain management and the doctor wants to place the Nevro hf10, it is used very often for migraines because insurance generally doesn't approve the Reed procedure. Looking for anyone who has been through this and what the outcome was...good/bad/ugly.
Thanks....Dana

  1. Hi Dana, thank you for reaching out! I hear how much you endure with migraine symptoms. It is miserable living without a treatment to help manage your symptoms. I hope others in the community who have experience with a spinal cord stimulator will chime in to share their stories with you. While you wait, I thought these articles might be of interest:
    https://migraine.com/blog/nerve-stimulator-study-shows-potential-benefit-for-chronic-migraine/
    https://migraine.com/living-migraine/neurostimulation-device-experience/
    Please keep us updated on what you decide to do! Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (Migraine.com team)

    1. I, too, am trying to get the Nevro HF10 for migraine and related nerve conditions. My insurance denied the initial request stating that the technology is only in it's investigation stage for migraines. My pain management Dr. and I plan to appeal the decision.
      I know this doesn't answer your question but I hope it helps to know that you are not alone in this search.

      1. I'm sorry your insurance denied it, I'm waiting to hear but do have the trial scheduled for the end of July that way I won't have to wait while the insurance decides.
        Do you plan to appeal?
        How long have you had migraines? What kinds of treatments have you had?
        Sorry for the inquisition!
        Dana

    2. I have no problem answering questions. Maybe there will be something informative or maybe not 😀
      I contacted my doctor's office and asked their opinion. We will appeal. I've had my migraines since I was a child. The earliest memory of one is at about 6 or 7 years old. My "migraines" became daily in 2017. My pain management doctor recently diagnosed Cervicogenic Headaches (CEH) on top of migraines. The CEH is why they want to at least try a spinal cord stimulator (they want to use the NEVRO HF10 stimulator).
      As far as treatments go; I've tried most medications without results. Even the Amovig injections were a bust. Botox injections, trigger point injections, nerve blocks, Facet joint injections, a 5 hour infusion of Ketamine and the most recent was an Epidural Steroid Injection.
      I'm still hoping the insurance can be swayed to accept this treatment. It's more prevalent than they want to admit.

      1. And keep us posted!

      2. The weakness may make a difference, sometimes is all about the way it's coded when sent to the insurance company. Try talking to the doctor again. Keep me posted.
        I have my pysch eval next week, so mine hasn't even been sent to insurance yet.
        😬

    3. Hi Dana and Andy-
      I’m a 51 yo with hx of chronic intractable unilateral migraine on left side of face and behind left eye.
      I have tried everything and was referred to a well mannered Boston
      Neurosurgeon dr. Jeffrey Arle today. He believed he could help me!! 🙏🙏🙏. That is what i was hoping for. So my next step is to meet him at another one of his offices on July 1st. He will use some novacaine and set up some
      Small leads about my left eye and Dow my left cheek. This is part of a trial.

      Then it continues from their.

      Please read our rules before posting.