Surgery for chronic migraine
Targeted nerve decompression that relieves the migraines medication hasn't been able to control.
For people living with chronic migraine that has not responded to medication, surgery to decompress the peripheral nerves at specific migraine trigger sites can reduce how often, how severe, and how long attacks last. These outpatient procedures release the nerve identified as the source of your headaches, and most patients go home the same day.
What We Treat
Conditions addressed by Migraine Surgery
Treatment Approach
What we do in Migraine Surgery
Trigger-Site Mapping
Pinpointing which nerve is driving your headaches using your history and the response to diagnostic nerve blocks or Botox.
Peripheral Nerve Decompression
Releasing the nerve from the surrounding muscle, fascia, or vessel that is compressing it at the trigger site.
Occipital Nerve Release
Decompression of the greater and lesser occipital nerves at the back of the head and neck.
Frontal & Temporal Release
Decompression of the supraorbital, supratrochlear, and zygomaticotemporal nerves around the forehead and temple.
What to Expect
Your visit, step by step
Pre-Surgical Consultation
Your surgeon reviews your imaging and history, confirms you are a candidate for outpatient surgery, and answers your questions so you know exactly what to expect.
Pre-Op Preparation
Our team verifies your benefits, completes pre-operative testing, and gives you clear instructions on medications, eating, and what to bring on the day of surgery.
Day of Surgery
You arrive, meet your anesthesia and nursing team, and your procedure is performed in our accredited operating suite. Most patients are home the same day.
Recovery & Follow-Up
You recover comfortably in our recovery suite, go home with detailed instructions, and your surgeon and care team stay in close contact through your follow-up.
Typical Timeline
Most patients return to normal activity within 1 to 2 weeks. The full effect on migraine frequency and severity is typically assessed over the following months.
Migraine Surgery FAQs
Am I a candidate for migraine surgery?
Migraine surgery is considered for people with chronic migraine that has not responded to medication and who have an identifiable trigger point. A strong, temporary response to nerve blocks or Botox at that site is one of the best signs that surgery may help.
How is the trigger point found?
Your surgeon combines your headache pattern with diagnostic nerve blocks or your response to Botox to identify which nerve is driving your migraines before recommending surgery.
Is it performed as an outpatient?
Yes. Migraine nerve decompression is performed in our outpatient surgery center, and most patients go home the same day.
Will I still need my migraine medication?
Many patients are able to reduce how much medication they rely on, and some need very little afterward. Your neurologist and surgeon will guide your medication plan based on how you respond.
Considering Migraine Surgery?
Talk with our team about your procedure, what to expect, and whether outpatient surgery is right for you.