Karma

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This article summary relates thougha slightly different procedure.

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Endonasal Surgery for Contact Point Headaches: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study.

Independent Papers

Laryngoscope. 113(12):2151-2156, December 2003.
Welge-Luessen, Antje MD; Hauser, Rolf MD; Schmid, Nevenka MD; Kappos, Ludwig MD; Probst, Rudolf MD
Abstract:
Objective: Some migraine and cluster headaches may be triggered by stimulation of intranasal contact points via the trigeminovascular system. Endonasal surgery is successful in some patients, but long-term outcomes have not been reported.

Study Design: Prospective

Methods: This investigation included 20 patients with a mean 18-year history of refractory cluster or migraine headaches who were selected for surgery. All had endoscopically visible endonasal contact as well as a positive preoperative cocaine test result. Changes in pain severity and frequency and duration of headache attacks were statistically rated using a MANOVA. Follow-up averaged 112 months.

Results: Almost 10 years after surgery, six patients remained completely free of pain, seven had significant symptom improvement, and seven received no benefit from surgery (65% improvement). Two patients had been free of all symptoms for 7 and 8 years, respectively, before complaints returned.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that some patients with refractory headaches and endonasal contact areas benefit from surgery, thereby supporting the existence of a connection between the two. Even though it is clear that surgery should be considered only if all other treatments have failed, a success rate of 65% over almost 10 years justifies evaluation of this option. Preoperative patient selection remains crucial and warrants further investigation.

(C) The American Laryngological, Rhinological & Otological Society, Inc.

I have a deviated septum. Nasal irrigation (neti) has made for a big improvement for me - not 100%, but I can pretty much always breathe through my nostrils now, which makes a huge difference.  Also, fewer sinus infections and colds since I started neti a few years ago.  

If you care for another opinion, I had sinus surgery too.  Figured it would not help CH but its chronic and I have chronic sinusitis too so it was worth it.  Very blocked, lots of infections.  Arguably it helped with CH because the mild constant pain was not there when a CH started making hits just slightly slightly more tolerable.  Also less sinus infections (which triggered asthma) meant less prednisone..abruptly going on/off like that triggered some extra hits for me.  So yeah it was good.
Did not fix dev. sept. though...some drs are against this now (had mine at Hopkins) because it does not help as much as they thought.

Good luck!

Lisa

I had that procedure done about six years ago along with a realignment of the septum to open the right sinus. The right side is the side I get hit on. I had this done when I was out of cycle, would not have considered otherwise. I believe it was helpful not only for the chronic sinusitis but also for ch. Sinus blockage and certain colognes and perfumes had always been triggers for me. After the procedure I went two years without a hit. After a short lived cycle I went four years without a hit until last month.

Of course you need to do what you think is right for yourself. I am glad that I had it done.

Steve