Migraine Surgery in Phoenix, AZ
Understanding the Surgical Approach to Migraine Relief
Migraine surgery focuses on decompressing specific nerves around the head and neck that are known to trigger migraine symptoms. Depending on your symptoms and the areas affected, different surgical techniques may be recommended.
Below is an overview of the key migraine trigger sites Dr. Johnson addresses through surgery:
Frontal Trigger Site (Forehead Migraines)
Patients experiencing migraines centered around the forehead, often behind the eyes or along the brow, may benefit from frontal migraine surgery. This procedure involves relieving pressure on the supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves by removing small muscle segments, blood vessels, or other tissues that compress the nerves. The goal is to reduce irritation at this common migraine trigger point.
Temporal Trigger Site (Temple Migraines)
If your migraines frequently originate from the temple area, temporal migraine surgery may help. This technique focuses on the zygomaticotemporal nerve, a sensory nerve in the temple region often linked to migraines. By releasing the surrounding tissue and decompressing the nerve, patients often experience significant symptom improvement.
Occipital Trigger Site (Back-of-Head Migraines)
Migraines that start at the base of the skull and radiate upward may be related to compression of the greater, lesser, or third occipital nerves. Occipital migraine surgery involves carefully releasing these nerves from surrounding tissue, providing relief for patients with chronic occipital-triggered migraines.
Rhinogenic Trigger Site (Nasal Migraines)
For some patients, migraines are triggered by anatomical issues within the nasal cavity or sinuses. Rhinogenic migraine surgery addresses structural problems such as a deviated septum or enlarged nasal turbinates that can irritate internal nerves. This approach is often recommended for those whose migraines worsen with nasal congestion, weather changes, or strong odors.
FAQ Section: Migraine Surgery Overview
1. What is migraine surgery and how does it work?
Migraine surgery is a procedure that targets specific nerve trigger points to reduce or eliminate chronic migraine headaches. These trigger points are carefully identified and surgically decompressed to provide long-term relief.
2. Am I a candidate for migraine surgery?
You may be a candidate if you’ve been diagnosed with chronic migraines, have not responded well to medication, and experience frequent or debilitating symptoms. A consultation and evaluation are required to determine if this procedure is right for you.
3. How effective is migraine surgery?
Studies have shown that a significant percentage of patients experience at least a 50% reduction in the frequency and severity of their migraines following surgery. Some patients report complete elimination of symptoms.
4. What is the recovery time after migraine surgery?
Most patients return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks. Mild swelling or discomfort may occur at the surgical site, but most patients report a relatively easy recovery process.
5. Is migraine surgery covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance provider. Our office can assist you with pre-authorization and help you understand your options during the consultation process.
Personalized Treatment in Phoenix
At PHX Plastic Surgery, every migraine patient receives a personalized evaluation. Dr. Johnson will review your medical history, identify your specific trigger points, and recommend a tailored surgical plan. Many patients experience a significant reduction in migraine frequency, severity, and duration following surgery.
If you’re tired of relying solely on medications and want to explore a surgical solution for migraine relief, schedule a consultation with our team today.