M.I.S.O.N. is a minimally invasive treatment for the relief and reduction of migraine pain. It is not a cure for migraines, and it may not relieve more than 50% of the pain. However, for a patient suffering from severe migraines, a 50% reduction in pain is still significant and welcome.
Supra-orbital nerve decompression was discovered as a potential treatment for migraines when it was found that BOTOX(R) treatments to lift the brow resulted in reports of migraine relief by those undergoing the procedure.
Nerve decompression relieves pressure caused by a pinched or entrapped nerve to treat chronic migraine syndrome in certain patients. In the M.I.S.O.N procedure, the supra-orbital nerve is targeted.
The supraorbital nerve is a branch of the optic nerve, providing sensation to scalp. When this nerve is compressed, it can become a trigger point for a migraine. Nerve decompression is achieved by removing blood vessels, muscle, and/or tissue that are irritating the nerve. The procedure creates space around the nerve to relieve the compression and the pain.
A nerve block is an anesthetic paired with a steroid that is injected directly into the supra-orbital nerve. The nerve block is used to reduce or relieve pain from certain types of migraines.
The injection can provide relief that lasts for weeks or months, and it can be performed during an office visit with almost no downtime.
M.I.S.O.N is not brain surgery. The bones of the skull are not penetrated or removed. The supraorbital nerve is located beneath the skin in the brow region. The surgeon creates multiple small incisions and removes blood vessels, tissue, or muscle through the incision. The tissue removal provides space for the nerve to function normally and without pain.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes about two to three hours under a general anesthetic. The incisions are then closed with dissolving sutures (stitches that dissolve over time and do not require removal) and/or surgical glue.
Recovery takes a couple of weeks as the incision wounds heal and swelling or bruising subsides. Over-the-counter pain medication is enough to relieve any discomfort the patient experiences. Within a couple of weeks, the patient can resume normal activity.
To qualify for supra-orbital nerve decompression, you must be diagnosed with chronic migraines by a neurologist. To determine if the procedure can bring relief, you may undergo testing with BOTOX injections to confirm which, if any, trigger points are responsible for your migraine pain.
Also considered are the medication side effects you may experience as well as the severity, duration, and frequency of your migraines. Nerve decompression is only considered once all other treatment options have proven ineffectual.
M.I.S.O.N. has very few side effects or complications, and all are short-lived.
Many of the side effects wear off along with the effects of the anesthesia.
M.I.S.O.N. is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, and every surgery involves risk. You may experience side effects or complications. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to discuss them with your physician.
Schedule an appointment with the Migraine Relief Center to discuss the right treatment options for your migraine.
