Migraine
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Migraine Community MyMigraineConnection Archive of Long or Older Conversations Occipital Nerve Stimulator? Help! Topic Closed|
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Sage |
Hi, all!
I just got back from an appointment with my headache specialist. Because my migraines have been particularly severe for so long, she did a nerve block right away. She has also recommended several medication increases/changes. Some of the new meds (Seroquel, Depakote) have many side effects, as does the Zyprexa that we use use quite frequently. Because of this, she has suggested that I talk to a pain clinic about the possibility of implanting an Occipital Nerve Stimulator. I have read about this procedure online and am somewhat familiar with the theory behind its functioning. But I'd like to hear from you guys: Does anyone have one of these? What was the surgery like? What are the risks involved? How is it functioning for you now? Even if you do not have one personally, please let me know what you guys can teach me about this...It's a tough decision for me, and I'd like to be as educated as possible before I visit the pain clinic. Thank you for any info! You know I love you guys!   jenny |
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MMC Lead Expert Supreme Guru  |
Jenny,
Maybe I'm behind, but as far as I know ONSTIM is still in clinical trials for Migraine and not yet approved. This would mean that it wouldn't be covered by insurance. I do know a couple of people who got it covered by insurance, but that took their doctor "fudging" their diagnosis. I've heard from a few people who have them. A couple are doing well, but more are not happy with them. It seems that the leads can slip out of place, rendering the unit useless without a surgical procedure to redo the leads. Someone who has one may well know more about this than I do. Hopefully, they'll see this and share with you!  Teri Robert Lead Expert, MyMigraineConnection terimmc@helpforheadaches.com
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Sage |
Thanks, Teri. As I have shared with you in the past, my doc has not been the most helpful person in the world. But she is increasingly concerned about my lack of improvement. I'm still planning to leave her and go to Jefferson this fall (when my appointment day finally arrives!).
My current doc mentioned that insurance might not cover it. She mentioned that she has some pull with a clinical trial, in the event that insurance denies. I guess she feels that she is moving me toward the more "serious" medications (quote from her--I think she means the ones with the most dramatic side effects). She feels that the stimulator should at least be considered right now. Is there any hard data out there about the success/lack of success of nerve stimulators for migraine? I'm not sure if such a thing is available, given the fact that it's still in the research phase! Thanks again Teri! And everyone else--if you know anything at all about this subject, please post! I'd appreciate all the knowledge I can get! jenny |
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MMC Lead Expert Supreme Guru |
Jenny,
I don't know of any available data. I took a look, and the clinical trials are still underway. Given that, I'm not sure about her thought that it should be considered now. Just a thought -- with a Jefferson appointment coming up, would it make sense to keep this in mind, but take no action on it yet? The Jefferson may be involved in those trials too.
Teri Robert Lead Expert, MyMigraineConnection terimmc@helpforheadaches.com
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Topic Closed Migraine Community MyMigraineConnection Archive of Long or Older Conversations Occipital Nerve Stimulator? Help!
