Beware: Neurostimulation Implants should be the last resort

One of the particularly damaging effects of migraine is that the pain is so great, many patients will do just about anything to get it to go away. For instance, both prescription and over-the-counter pain medications are overused in an effort to curb symptoms. Additionally, those suffering from migraine should beware undergoing neurostimulation implant surgery.

As with many solutions for migraine, solutions such as implants – which can be both expensive and accompanied by significant side effects – should not be taken lightly. Let's understand how they work, potential negative consequences of undergoing the surgery, and a new and innovative migraine treatment that might work for you instead.

Neurostimulation & the SPG

First of all, note that a neurostimulation implant will not necessarily be located in the head. They can be attached to the spinal cord to aid with general pain management. In the case of migraines, the SPG (sphenopalatine ganglion) is specifically targeted. The SPG is a nerve cluster in the face. When stimulated, relief from migraine and cluster headaches can result (1). "SPG stimulation might become an attractive alternative to ONS (Occipital Nerve Stimulation) and SCS but on the basis of the present data it cannot yet be recommended, except in the context of a clinical study." (U.S. National Library of Medicine, Tilman Wolter, May 2012)

Proponents of direct sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation by way of an implant may claim that these devices are not necessarily permanent and that their parameters can be modified as needed. Though that may be the case, everyone knows a migraine treatment by way of invasive surgery represents an extreme effort to solve the problem that should be avoided at all costs.

Why Migraine Patients Should Beware of Neurostimulation Implants Surgery

Spine-health.com provides several of the various disadvantages of this type of migraine treatment (2). Here are potential side effects of undergoing neurostimulation implant surgery (real negative consequences you may experience if you go this route):

• Infections, bleeding, and allergic reactions
• Numbness, tingling, and paralysis (after all, these devices are "installed" and heavily impact the functioning of the nervous system)
• Battery leakage (which necessitates additional surgery to change the battery but also involves toxic fluids entering your bloodstream)
• Fluctuations in the level of stimulation can result from formation of scar tissue around the device or displacement from its original location
• It may work for a year or two but then become ineffective, in which case you have an implanted device that is serving little to no purpose.

If implants are so dangerous, what other options are out there that provide real, long-lasting relief without the need to take strong and potentially harmful pills? An easy-to-use nasal spray is stopping the pain of thousands of Americans. Contact a licensed MiRx Protocol™ provider, one of the licensed medical practices in our nationwide network, to learn more.

Sources:
(1) http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/spinal-cord-stimulation-advantages-and-risks
(2) http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/spinal-cord-stimulation-advantages-and-risks