
When Is It Time to Consider Migraine Surgery?

Migraine headaches aren't just painful—they disrupt your daily life. They're a life-altering battle affecting one billion people worldwide every year.
If you’ve tried every medication, overhauled your lifestyle, and chased down every possible treatment, and the migraines persist, surgery might be an option. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Brooks and his team at Brooks Plastic Surgery in Hollywood, Florida, explore the factors that could lead to this decision.
When medications and lifestyle changes stop working
Most migraine sufferers start with over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, and lifestyle adjustments. These approaches can help occasional migraines, but chronic migraines—15 or more headache days per month—often require more aggressive treatment.
If medications have failed to provide lasting relief, surgery may be worth considering. We’ll work with you to evaluate your symptoms, explore your treatment history, and determine if surgical intervention is the next step.
Types of migraine surgery
Two standard surgical options exist for chronic migraine sufferers. Surgery targets the nerves responsible for triggering migraines, either by relieving pressure or by disrupting pain signals before they escalate. Although surgery isn’t a first-line treatment, it can be life-changing for those with chronic migraines who have exhausted other options.
Common surgical options for chronic migraines include:
Nerve decompression surgery
The nerve decompression procedure relieves pressure on compressed nerves, such as the occipital nerve, by removing surrounding muscle or tissue. Many patients experience fewer and less intense migraines after surgery.
Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS)
A small device implanted at the base of the skull sends electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals before they turn into full-blown migraines. This option is typically recommended after all other treatments have failed.
Each surgery has its risks and benefits, so we’ll guide you in choosing the best approach.
Who is a good candidate for migraine surgery?
Surgery isn’t for everyone. Ideal candidates for migraine surgery typically meet specific criteria.
Ideal migraine surgery candidates:
- Experience chronic migraines that haven’t responded to other treatments
- Are in overall good health
- Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
We’ll assess your symptoms, migraine patterns, and treatment history to determine if surgery is a safe and effective option for you.
What to expect after migraine surgery
Recovery varies depending on the procedure, but most patients experience some discomfort in the first few days. Many return to normal activities within a few weeks, though full healing may take longer.
Even though surgery can significantly reduce migraine frequency and intensity, it isn't a guaranteed cure. Most patients experience relief, but individual results vary.
Is migraine surgery right for you?
Deciding on migraine surgery is deeply personal. You'll want to have an honest, thorough conversation with us about whether this path makes sense for you. If your migraines are disrupting your life and nothing else has worked, surgery might be worth exploring.
Take time to dig into the details with us. What could this surgery mean for you? What are the potential benefits, and what risks are involved? Be brutally honest about your expectations.
Ready to take back your life from migraines? Call our office or schedule your consultation online. We aren't just here to reduce your pain—we're committed to helping you reclaim your life and rediscover the person you used to be before migraines took control.
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