Efficacy of Occipital Nerve Stimulation to Treat Refractory Occipital Headaches: A Single‐Institution Study of 60 Patients

Occipital nerve stimulation: A detailed description of a surgical approach and a discussion on implantation techniques

OBJECTIVE

Occipital Nerve Stimulation (ONS) is increasingly used to treat a range of chronic, refractory headache conditions, most notably chronic cluster headache (CCH). Despite this, there is still no consensus on the optimal implantation technique. Clinical reports and reviews in the field have reported remarkably high complication rates of which several can be directly related to the surgical approach. We here describe a comprehensive and detailed surgical approach used at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, aiming to improve paresthesia coverage and minimize complications.

METHODS

The implantation procedure described here is performed with a sleep-awake anesthetic regimen in a lateral position using anatomical landmarks and perioperative testing based on patient feedback. A single lead is subcutaneously implanted from behind the ear and across the back of the head, and the implantable pulse generator (IPG) is placed below the right clavicle.

RESULTS

From March 2018 to June 2024, 45 CCH patients were implanted using this approach and followed up for a total of 86.3 patient years. A total of 22 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 17 patients, with nine AEs requiring revision surgery. Notably, no instances of lead migration, lead breakage, or muscle/neck stiffness were observed. Temporary occipital dysesthesia was the most frequent non-surgical AE, resolving spontaneously within weeks. The rate of serious adverse events (SAEs) was one per 9.6 patient years. Six patients had the ONS system explanted due to lack of efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical approach described here in detail offers several advantages, with a favorable complication profile, satisfactory paresthesia coverage, and good perioperative patient comfort. Advances in the surgical technique are vital to both patients and healthcare providers, and we believe this approach is a valuable contribution toward improved patient outcomes and procedural efficiency.

Four Decades of Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Headache Disorders: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic headaches are a significant source of disability worldwide. Despite the development of conventional strategies, a subset of patients remain refractory and/or experience side effects following these treatments. Hence, occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) should be considered as an alternative strategy for intractable chronic headaches. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effectiveness, safety, mechanisms and practical application of ONS for the treatment of headache disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Overall response rate of ONS is 35.7-100%, 17-100%, and 63-100% in patients with cluster headache, chronic migraine and occipital neuralgia respectively. Regarding the long-term effectivity in all groups, 41.6-88.0% of patients remain responders after ≥ 18.3 months. The most frequently reported adverse events include lead migration/fracture (13%) and local pain (7.3%). Based on our results, ONS can be considered a safe and effective treatment for chronic intractable headache disorders. To support more widespread application of ONS, additional research with larger sample sizes should be conducted.

Occipital nerve stimulation for cluster headache: lessons to learn from the 'voltage tuners'

BACKGROUND

Cluster headache (CH) is a significant health concern due to its major socioeconomic consequences and most patients being refractory to conventional strategies. For treatment resistant CH, occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is considered an effective treatment option. Whereas most patients do not adjust the amplitude of the ONS system, a subset changes the amplitude on a regular basis using their remote control, and are therefore referred to as 'voltage tuners'. Anxiety and self-control are thought to be central themes to this behavior. Research on this voltage tuning behavior could provide new insights in the use of ONS as acute attack treatment. To date, voltage tuning has not been assessed for CH. Hence this is a unique study aiming to investigate the occurrence and efficacy of voltage tuning in patients with CH and ONS.

METHODS

For this analysis, patients with CH who received ONS from 2020-2024, at our university medical center, were included. All patients underwent bilateral ONS implantation. Data on attack frequency, intensity and duration were collected retrospectively. Outcomes on the response, frequency, moment during the day, duration, rationale, sensation, average increase in amplitude, and efficacy of voltage tuning were collected with prospective interviews.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients (M = 20) (42 ± 12.7 years) were included in the current analysis. At 1y follow-up, an overall response rate of 70% (23/33) was found for ONS. In total, 48% (18/33) of patients were defined as voltage tuners. Voltage tuning was performed with an average increase in amplitude of 92 (20-360)%, a frequency of 1-20 times/month and duration of 20 minutes-48 hours. Sensations of voltage tuning were described as "tingling" and/or "pinching". The rationale for voltage tuning in patients varied from prevention and ceasing to lowering the intensity and enhance control of CH attack.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes show that voltage tuning may cease and/or terminate CH attacks and therefore raise interests in the use of ONS as acute attack treatment for patients with resistant CH treated with ONS. Future research on the occurrence and potential of voltage tuning will provide valuable insights for achieving optimal efficacy of ONS and quality of life in patients with CH.

Occipital nerve stimulation in pediatric patients with refractory occipital neuralgia

PURPOSE

Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a disabling problem within the pediatric population. Many of these patients fail medical therapies and continue to suffer without further surgical management. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is used to treat ON in the adult population leading to a 72-89% reduction in pain; however, there are limited studies regarding its use in the pediatric population. In this study, we examined the outcomes of ONS in pediatric patients with medically refractory ON.

METHODS

We performed a chart review of pediatric patients at our institution who have undergone ONS for the same indications.

RESULTS

We identified 3 patients at our institution who underwent ONS trial and/or permanent implantation for ON. One patient had complete pain relief after the trial and declined permanent implantation. The other patient had fewer attacks compared to his pre-trial baseline and controlled them by adjusting his permanent implant stimulation settings. The last patient had near complete relief of her symptoms and no longer required any pain medication.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the paucity of studies evaluating the utility of ONS in the pediatric ON population. Limited data from both the literature and our institution's experience reveal that pediatric patients may benefit from trial and/or permanent implantation of ONS for medically refractory ON pain.

The Untold Story of Occipital Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Cluster Headache: Surgical Technique in Relation to Clinical Efficacy

OBJECTIVES

Approximately one in every 1000 adults experiences cluster headache (CH). Although occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) appears encouraging in treatment for most patients with refractory CH, some patients do not reach adequate pain relief with ONS. A reason for failure of ONS might be anatomical variations and different surgical approaches. Therefore, an extensive literature analysis was performed, and cadaveric experimentation was combined with our clinical experience to provide a standardized proposal for ONS and obtain optimal management of patients with refractory CH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 36 articles published between 1998 and 2023 were analyzed to retrieve information on the anatomical landmarks and surgical technique of ONS. For the cadaveric experimentation (N = 1), two electrodes were inserted from the region over the foramen magnum and projected toward the lower third of the mastoid process.

RESULTS

The existence of multiple approaches of ONS has been confirmed by the present analysis. Discrepancies have been found in the anatomical locations and corresponding landmarks of the greater and lesser occipital nerve. The surgical approaches differed in patient positioning, electrode placement, and imaging techniques, with an overall efficacy range of 35.7% to 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

Reports on the surgical approach of ONS remain contradictory, hence emphasizing the need for standardization. Only if all implanting physicians perform the ONS surgery using a standardized protocol, can future data be combined and outcomes compared and analyzed.

Neuromodulation for Craniofacial Pain and Headaches

Headaches and facial pain are highly prevalent diseases but are often difficult to treat. Though there have been significant advances in medical management, many continue to suffer from refractory pain. Neuromodulation has been gaining interest for its therapeutic purposes in many chronic pain conditions, including headaches and facial pain. There are many potential targets of neuromodulation for headache and facial pain, and some have more robust evidence in favor of their use than others. Despite the need for more high-quality research, the available evidence for the use of neuromodulation in treating headaches and facial pain is promising. Considering the suffering that afflicts patients with intractable headache, neuromodulation may be an appropriate tool to improve not only pain but also disability and quality of life.

Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Recurrent Trigeminal Neuralgia Without Occipital Pain

OBJECTIVES

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe, debilitating pain condition causing physical and emotional distress. Although the management of TN is well codified with medical and then surgical treatments, 15% to 30% of patients will experience intractable pain. Neuromodulation techniques have been scarcely used for refractory TN, with only small case series and short-term follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients treated with occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) for medically and surgically resistant TN without painful trigeminal neuropathy. The effectiveness of the ONS was evaluated using the Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain score and the pain relief (0%-100%) at best and at last follow-up.

RESULTS

Seven patients who have refractory TN were included. The mean age at ONS was 49 years. The mean pain duration was 8.6 years. The mean number of medical and surgical treatments before ONS was six and five, respectively. A percutaneous trial was performed in five of seven patients; all responded (pain relief > 40%), and four of five patients experienced pain recurrence after explantation. Eventually, six patients had a permanent ONS implantation. The average BNI pain score before implantation was V. The mean follow-up after implantation was 59 months. All patients reported an improvement after implantation. The average BNI score and mean pain relief at best were IIIa and 86.7%, respectively. At last follow-up, the average BNI score and mean pain relief were IIIa and 58.0%, respectively, with three patients experiencing pain recurrence. Adverse events were reported for four patients who required surgical revision for lead breakage (1), erosion (1), migration (1), or hardware-related discomfort (1). One patient finally underwent explantation because of infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Although ONS is not validated in this indication, these results suggest that it can induce an improvement in TN recurring after several surgical treatments, and the benefit of the stimulation can be sustained in the long term.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Clinicaltrials.gov registration number for the study is NCT01842763.

Current Neurostimulation Therapies for Chronic Pain Conditions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Neurostimulation treatment options have become more commonly used for chronic pain conditions refractory to these options. In this review, we characterize current neurostimulation therapies for chronic pain conditions and provide an analysis of their effectiveness and clinical adoption. This manuscript will inform clinicians of treatment options for chronic pain.

RECENT FINDINGS

Non-invasive neurostimulation includes transcranial direct current stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, while more invasive options include spinal cord stimulation (SCS), peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), dorsal root ganglion stimulation, motor cortex stimulation, and deep brain stimulation. Developments in transcranial direct current stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and peripheral nerve stimulation render these modalities most promising for the alleviating chronic pain. Neurostimulation for chronic pain involves non-invasive and invasive modalities with varying efficacy. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to delineate the outcomes of neurostimulatory modalities more precisely.

Breaking the cycle: unraveling the diagnostic, pathophysiological and treatment challenges of refractory migraine

Background

Refractory migraine is a poorly described complication of migraine in which migraine has chronified and become resistant to standard treatments. The true prevalence is unknown, but medication resistance is common in headache clinic patient populations. Given the lack of response to treatment, this patient population is extremely difficult to treat with limited guidance in the literature.

Objective

To review the diagnostic, pathophysiological, and management challenges in the refractory migraine population.

Discussion

There are no accepted, or even ICHD-3 appendix, diagnostic criteria for refractory migraine though several proposed criteria exist. Current proposed criteria often have low bars for refractoriness while also not meeting the needs of pediatrics, lower socioeconomic status, and developing nations. Pathophysiology is unknown but can be hypothesized as a persistent "on" state as a progression from chronic migraine with increasing central sensitization, but there may be heterogeneity in the underlying pathophysiology. No guidelines exist for treatment of refractory migraine; once all guideline-based treatments are tried, treatment consists of n-of-1 treatment trials paired with non-pharmacologic management.

Conclusion

Refractory migraine is poorly described diagnostically, its pathophysiology can only be guessed at by extension of chronic migraine, and treatment is more the art than science of medicine. Navigating care of this refractory population will require multidisciplinary care models and an emphasis on future research to answer these unknowns.

Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines for Occipital Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Patients With Medically Refractory Occipital Neuralgia: Update

BACKGROUND

The Guidelines Task Force conducted a systematic review of the relevant literature on occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) for occipital neuralgia (ON) to update the original 2015 guidelines to ensure timeliness and accuracy for clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review of the literature and update the evidence-based guidelines on ONS for ON.

METHODS

The Guidelines Task Force conducted another systematic review of the relevant literature, using the same search terms and strategies used to search PubMed and Embase for relevant literature. The updated search included studies published between 1966 and January 2023. The same inclusion/exclusion criteria as the original guideline were also applied. Abstracts were reviewed, and relevant full text articles were retrieved and graded. Of 307 articles, 18 were retrieved for full-text review and analysis. Recommendations were updated according to new evidence yielded by this update .

RESULTS

Nine studies were included in the original guideline, reporting the use of ONS as an effective treatment option for patients with medically refractory ON. An additional 6 studies were included in this update. All studies in the original guideline and this current update provide Class III evidence.

CONCLUSION

Based on the availability of new literature, the current article is a minor update only that does not result in modification of the prior recommendations: Clinicians may use ONS as a treatment option for patients with medically refractory ON.

Occipital Neuralgia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Occipital neuralgia is a painful condition that affects the posterior aspect of the head and can be difficult to distinguish from other common forms of headaches. This article reviews the anatomy, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and management approaches for occipital neuralgia.

RECENT FINDINGS

Non-pharmacological treatments aim to alleviate muscle tension and improve posture. Acupuncture shows some promise. The occipital nerve block is considered the first line in a minimally invasive intervention, but the duration of relief may be short term. An onabotulinum toxin A injection may improve the sharp but not the dull component of the pain of occipital neuralgia. Radiofrequency ablation and occipital nerve stimulation may provide effective long-term relief in refractory patients. Surgical decompression, neurotomies, and neurolysis are last-resort treatment options. Occipital neuralgia is a debilitating condition that can be difficult to treat. Studies with larger sample sizes and randomized control trials are needed to further determine the effectiveness and safety of different therapies.

Occipital Neuralgia: Advances in the Operative Management

Background

Occipital neuralgia (ON) is a primary headache disorder characterized by sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like pain in the distribution of the greater, lesser, or third occipital nerves.

Aim

To review the existing literature on the management of ON and to describe our technique of an endoscopic-assisted approach to decompress the GON proximally in areas of fibrous and muscular compression, as well as distally by thorough decompression of the occipital artery from the nerve.

Methods

Relevant literature on the medical and surgical management of ON was reviewed. Literature on the anatomical relationships of occipital nerves and their clinical relevance were also reviewed.

Results

While initial treatment of ON is conservative, peripheral nerve blocks and many surgical management approaches are available for patients with pain refractory to the medical treatment. These include greater occipital nerve blocks, occipital nerve stimulation, Botulinum toxin injections locally, pulsed radiofrequency ablation, cryoneuroablation, C-2 ganglionectomy, and endoscopic-assisted ON decompression.

Conclusion

Patients of ON refractory to medical management can be benefitted by surgical approaches and occipital nerve blocks. Endoscopic-assisted ON decompression provides one such approach for the patients with vascular, fibrous or muscular compressions of occipital nerves resulting in intractable ON.

Long-Term Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Ocular Pain

OBJECTIVES

Ocular pain symptoms (e.g., hypersensitivity to light and wind, "burning" sensations) can be debilitating and difficult to treat. Neuromodulatory therapies targeting sensory trigeminal and central pain pathways may help treat chronic ocular pain refractory to traditional therapies. The current study evaluates the long-term effects of a trigeminal neurostimulator (TNS) on ocular pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 18 individuals at the Miami Veterans Affairs Eye Clinic with chronic, severe ocular pain who were prescribed and used TNS at home for ≥3 months. The primary outcome measures were 1) ocular symptom intensity over a 24-hour recall period (dryness, pain, light sensitivity, wind sensitivity, burning; rated on 0-10 scales) captured pre-TNS and at monthly follow-up intervals and 2) side effects. The frequency and duration of TNS was a secondary outcome measure.

RESULTS

The mean age of the population (n = 18) was 57.5 years (range, 34-85 years) with a male majority (67%). Two individuals discontinued use due to lack of efficacy and one due to confounding health issues. Initial mean weekly frequency of TNS use was 3.7 ± 1.9 sessions of 25.8 min at month 1 and 2.7 ± 2.3 sessions of 28.0 min at month 6. At six months, pain intensity (↓ 31.4%), light sensitivity (↓ 36.3%), wind sensitivity (↓ 32.6%), and burning sensation (↓ 53.9%) were all decreased compared to baseline (p < 0.01 for all); greater decreases in ocular pain were noted in individuals with migraine (n = 10) than those without migraine (n = 8). No significant change was noted in mean dryness scores. Fifteen subjects experienced sedation with TNS use, persisting throughout the follow-up visits. No other adverse effects were communicated by any subjects.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests TNS is a safe, adjunctive treatment option in individuals with severe, chronic ocular pain. Individuals demonstrated gradual, continual improvement in pain symptoms over time within a multimodal approach.

An unusual case of lead migration in occipital nerve stimulation: A case report and literature review

Background:

Lead migration is a complication associated with occipital nerve stimulation (ONS). We present a rare case in which fibrosis in the stress relief loop caused lead migration in the treatment of occipital neuralgia.

Case Description:

A 30-year-old woman with a 5-year history of refractory occipital neuralgia, who had been under ONS therapy for 2 months, presented with a sudden onset of typical occipital neuralgia pain associated with cervical muscles spasms and myoclonus. A skull radiography showed lead migration. The patient underwent surgery for lead repositioning. During surgery, we identified extensive fibrosis throughout the stress relief loop that produced several constriction points. The fibrosis in the stress relief loop increased tension on the lead during head-and-neck movement, causing progressive migration of the lead.

Conclusion:

Although lead migration is a common complication of ONS, its association with fibrosis in the stress relief loop has not, to the best of our knowledge, been reported before. Lead migration can directly affect treatment outcome and it is, therefore, important to fully understand the possible mechanisms that can cause it and how to promptly manage them.

Long-Term Experience with Occipital and Supraorbital Nerve Stimulation for the Various Headache Disorders-A Retrospective Institutional Case Series of 96 Patients

OBJECTIVE

We have provided long-term data on clinically meaningful pain alleviation for drug-refractory headache disorders using occipital (ONS) and supraorbital nerve stimulation (SONS).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of 96 patients with migraine, cervicogenic headache, cluster headache, neuropathic pain of the scalp, tension-type headache, and new daily persistent headache who had undergone ONS (61.5%), SONS (11.5%), or combined ONS plus SONS (27.1%) trial implantation and definitive implantation from 2007 to 2017. Changes in pain perception over time were monitored using the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 60.4% women and 39.6% men, with a mean age of 46.9 ± 11.5 years and pain duration of 14 ± 14.1 years. Of the 96 patients, 65 (67.7%) were treatment responders to a trial (≥30% amelioration in the average or maximum VAS score for pain and/or number of headache days) that had lasted 22.5 ± 8.8 days. The reduction in their average VAS score for pain was to 37% ± 24.4% of baseline compared with 99.1% ± 24.1% of baseline for those without a response (P < 0.01). Of the 56 patients who had undergone implantation and had long-term follow-up data available for ≤10 years, 32 (57.1%) reported a ≥50% reduction in their average VAS score for pain. Four patients (6.5%) had requested hardware explantation. Stage II complications included 1 infection (1.6%) and 6 electrode dislocations (9.7%). The study limitations included the retrospective nature, lack of controls receiving placebo intervention, and randomization.

CONCLUSIONS

After careful patient selection according to a positive response to a trial of ONS and/or SONS, clinically meaningful long-term benefit was achieved in 57.1% of our patients with various chronic headache conditions.