Prog Neurol Surg. 2011;24:126-32. Epub 2011 Mar 21.
PERIPHERAL NERVE STIMULATION IN CHRONIC CLUSTER HEADACHE.
Magis D, Schoenen J.
SourceHeadache Research Unit, University Department of Neurology, CHR Citadelle, Liège, Belgium.

Abstract
Cluster headache is well known as one of the most painful primary neurovascular headache. Since 1% of chronic cluster headache patients become refractory to all existing pharmacological treatments, various invasive and sometimes mutilating procedures have been tempted in the last decades. Recently, neurostimulation methods have raised new hope for drug-resistant chronic cluster headache patients. The main focus of this chapter is on stimulation of the great occipital nerve, which has been the best evaluated peripheral nerve stimulation technique in drug-resistant chronic cluster headache, providing the most convincing results so far. Other peripheral nerve stimulation approaches used for this indication are also reviewed in detail. Although available studies are limited to a relatively small number of patients and placebo-controlled trials are lacking, existent clinical data suggest that occipital nerve stimulation should nonetheless be recommended for intractable chronic cluster headache patients before more invasive deep brain stimulation surgery. More studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of supraorbital nerve stimulation and of vagus nerve stimulation in management of cluster headaches.

Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID:21422783[PubMed]

This has been on my list for last ditch efforts...Belgium is a long way away. I think they have done this at Johns Hopkins, too. Do you know of American hospitals or clinics who are pursuing this technique? lance

Lance, I don't know of any published listings of this type. I suspect your doc will be in the pipeline for such info.

Touch base with Carrie (Lizzie 2).  She has had success with the ONSI treatment.  I believe it was done at Jefferson in Philadelphia. 

Jerry

Hey Bob, was just at the neuro's yesterday, and he informed me of a clincial study for chronic clusters that is being done here in Ohio.  My neuro is the lead Doctor and is wanting me to join the group, what he said it basically consists of is an implant that goes through the mouth with the device implanted into the cheek.  The wire goes into the sphenopalatine ganglion. When you get an attack you have a device you swipe across the outside of the cheek to activate it and it is suppose to stop the attack almost instantly.  Have you heard of anything like this?  He said it has been used in Europe with amazing results.  Would like to some thoughts on this!
Thanks Bob
Mike

Ref. #4: the description doesn't ring a bell but if you can give the name of the procedure I'll dig around.

Hey Bob, its RF lesioning in the sphenopalatine ganglion.  Been doing some research on it, thinking it may very well be worth a try.  The Dr. said the device is 120,000.00 to do, but of course, with the trial it would be at no cost as well as all follow ups.  Thanks again Bob

Dr. Goadsby talked about this procedure in Atlanta last year. A small "capsule" is surgically implanted just up behind the roots of the wisdom tooth on the affected side under local anesthetic, and then a wand is held outside the cheek to activate it via wireless connection. Sounded pretty interesting.

Thats exactly what the dr was saying Brew!  He is only taking 15 people and wants me to be one (he has 6 people thus far), as I was chronic for about 8 years, then after the occipatal nerve blocks either A) became episodic or B) the blocks worked for that time frame, but none the less, they are back, trying the kilowatt kocktail again to see if that continues to keep the beast away and if not, may consider this.   Another option I have looked into is all the way in Houston(I am in Ohio), the dr there said since I have had good results with the block they have a procedure that is getting great results as well, something to ponder.
thanks
Mike