Hi,
Occipital nerve stimulator is a very safe and effective means to control chronic headaches like migraine. It involves placing a neurostimulator under the skin. This neurostimulator delivers electrical impulses to the occipital nerve through the wires placed under the skin. The neurostimulator is placed below the clavicle. The procedure is done under local anesthesia or sedation. You can find more information on the surgery by clicking on the link below:
http://headaches.about.com/od/alternative/a/onstim.htm
http://www.anesthesia-analgesia.org/cgi/content/full/101/1/171
I had my permanent stimulator implanted March 10th. I have about a 2 1/2" incision below the clavicle. There is a visible lump where it is implanted, but when it completely heals, it won't be that noticeable. On the back of my head, there is about an 1 1/2" incision. Both were closed with stitches. I had quite a bit of pain at the incision locations, but the headaches were gone immediately.
This was definately well worth it.
Thanks!
When were you able to be up and around after your surgery. I'm a student in college right now and am trying to guess at when I will be able to go back to classes. I know I will have limitations on what I can or cannot do but I'm think that sitting in class is no different than sitting in my dorm room... right?
I guess did you just want to lay in bed after your surgery or were you able to get up and move around?
I only took 4 days off work with my surgery. It really wasn't that bad. I was up and doing things at home. They just don't want you doing any bending, reaching or lifting over 5 lbs. There is pain from the insisions, but compaired to the headache pain I was having, it really isn't that bad.
HI
I have just posted a thing on this to say that I had the stimulator trial for 10 days & the results were amazing. Great to have life back again. However, the electrode in my head has now slipped & the doc will not reposition it. Any suggestions. Looks like he wont do the perm implant if the electrode is goining to slip again.
You were right about the incision sights - very sore but a lot better than having a headache & very short term.