Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2008 Apr;12(2):145-53.
Neurostimulation in chronic cluster headache.

Magis D, Schoenen J.

About 1% of all chronic cluster headache patients become intractable (iCCH; ie, they are refractory to adequate regimens of all established preventive drugs). Various lesional interventions have been attempted in these patients, none with lasting benefits. In recent years, nondestructive neurostimulation methods have raised new hope. Hypothalamic deep brain stimulation (hDBS) acts rather rapidly and has durable efficacy, but it is not without risk. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) was studied in two trials that included 17 iCCH patients. Clinical efficacy was found to be very satisfactory by most patients and investigators. Although slightly less efficacious than hDBS, ONS has the advantage of being harmless and reversible. At this stage, it should be the preferred first-line invasive therapy for iCCH. Recent case reports mention efficacy of supraorbital and vagus nerve stimulation. Whether these neurostimulation methods have a place in the management of iCCH patients remains to be determined.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

PMID: 18474196

Bob Johnson wrote on Dec 15^th, 2008 at 7:38am:

Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2008 Apr;12(2):145-53. Neurostimulation in chronic cluster headache. Magis D, Schoenen J. About 1% of all chronic cluster headache patients become intractable (iCCH; ie, they are refractory to adequate regimens of all established preventive drugs). Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) was studied in two trials that included 17 iCCH patients. Clinical efficacy was found to be very satisfactory by most patients and investigators. Although slightly less efficacious than hDBS, ONS has the advantage of being harmless and reversible. At this stage, it should be the preferred first-line invasive therapy for iCCH.

Yes It is (for the moment) a good way for me! just over 80% improvement! for me.....

But, it is as the post mentions, a solution for ICCH, its not trivial at all,
and is very costly!
The device testing I am doing, and the information gathered will be published at the end of the test period, should be March 2009.
As this (ONS device) is one of very few device’s that are developed purely for CH or migraine’s, and not as the "older generation" devices that have been used (and are used) for (mostly) spinal pain management, and adjusted to the use for CH and migraines, I believe we should see an improvement in the results, and might soon have a very comprehensive solution for ICCH,
It is not a cure, it is just a tool, I still do get some CH episodes, but it is way better then what I had before!


Michael