Corrugator supercilii muscle resection and migraine headaches

Population-Based Health Utility Assessment of Migraine Headache Symptoms before and after Surgical Intervention

BACKGROUND

Approximately 30 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. The primary goals of this study are to (1) use Migraine-Specific Symptoms and Disability criteria and Migraine Headache Index to describe the symptomatic improvement following decompressive surgery for refractory migraines, and (2) use the average Migraine Headache Index preoperatively and postoperatively for health utility assessment from a healthy patient's perspective.

METHODS

The Migraine-Specific Symptoms and Disability criteria and the Migraine Headache Index were used to characterize migraine symptoms in the authors' patient population before and after decompressive surgery. Healthy individuals were randomized to a scenario in which they assumed either the preoperative or postoperative average patient symptom profile described by the authors' migraine patients. Health utility assessments were used to quantify the evaluation of health states the authors' patients experienced before and after surgical migraine therapy.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients underwent surgery for migraine headaches. The Migraine-Specific Symptoms and Disability questionnaire showed a significant decrease in both frequency of headaches per month (p < 0.0001) and overall pain score (p = 0.007). The Migraine Headache Index demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (p = 0.03). Healthy individuals in the preoperative group had significantly lower utility scores compared with the postoperative group in all of the health utility assessments completed for migraine symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to use health utility assessments to attest the efficacy of decompressive therapy by demonstrating the population perspective, which perceived a significant improvement in quality of life following the surgical treatment of migraines in the authors' patients.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

The Cutting Edge of Headache Surgery: A Systematic Review on the Value of Extracranial Surgery in the Treatment of Chronic Headache

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a debilitating neurologic condition, with a large socioeconomic impact. There is a subgroup of patients that does not adequately respond to pharmacologic management and may have underlying neuralgia. Surgical decompression of extracranial sensory nerves has been proposed as an alternative therapy. The aim of this article is to review the evidence for the surgical treatment of neuralgias.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to study the efficacy of decompression of extracranial sensory nerves as a treatment for neuralgia. Clinical studies were included that studied patients, aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with any definition of headache and were treated with extracranial nerve decompression surgery. Outcome parameters included intensity (on a 10-point scale), duration (in days), and frequency (of headaches per month).

RESULTS

Thirty-eight articles were found describing extracranial nerve decompression in patients with headaches. Postoperative decrease in headache intensity ranged from 2 to 8.2, reduction of duration ranged from 0.04 to 1.04 days, and reduction in frequency ranged between 4 and 14.8 headaches per month. Total elimination of symptoms was achieved in 8.3 to 83 percent of cases. A detailed summary of the outcome of single-site decompression is described. Statistical pooling and therefore meta-analysis was not possible, because of articles having the same surgeon and an overlapping patient database.

CONCLUSIONS

Nerve decompression surgery is an effective way of treating headaches in a specific population of patients with neuralgia. Although a meta-analysis of the current data was not possible, the extracranial decompression of peripheral head and neck sensory nerves has a high success rate.

Three-Dimensional Territory and Depth of the Corrugator Supercilii: Application to Botulinum Neurotoxin Injection

This study aimed to determine the three-dimensional (3D) territory and depth of the corrugator supercilii muscle (CSM) using a 3D structured-light scanner. Thirty-two hemifaces from Korean and Thai embalmed cadavers were used in this study, and 35 healthy young Korean subjects also participated. A 3D analysis of the CSM territory and depth was performed using a structured-light 3D scanner. The most frequently observed locations of the CSM identified in the cadaver were confirmed in healthy young subjects using a real-time two-dimensional B-mode ultrasonography system. The CSM was present in all of the cadavers and healthy young subjects at the intersection point between the vertical line passing through the medial canthus and the horizontal line passing through the glabella (Point #6). The CSM was located on the medial side of the lateral limbus in most cases. The most-medial and most-lateral origin points were at depths of 5.7 ± 1.4 mm (mean ± SD) and 6.6 ± 1.4 mm, respectively; the corresponding depths of the insertion points were 5.4 ± 1.4 mm and 5.6 ± 2.1 mm, respectively. The origin and insertion points of the CSM were at similar depths. The injection depth should be around 4 mm for botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections into the CSM. Point #6 could be regarded as an effective target point for managing the glabellar frown line and preventing palpebral ptosis when injecting BoNT into the CSM. Clin. Anat., 33:795-803, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Radiologic Evaluation of Exiting Points of Supraorbital Region Neurovascular Bundles in Patients With Migraine

PURPOSE

To reveal the presence and nature of exiting points of supraorbital region neurovascular structures and determine the distances of those structures to midline with computed tomography images by taking into account gender and sides in patients with migraine.

METHODS

The study was conducted retrospectively on computed tomography images of 70 migraine and 70 control patients with a mean age of 39.5 ± 13.8 years (range: 18-80). Presence and nature (foramen or notch) of exiting points of neurovascular structures in terms of side and gender in both groups, and the distances of these structures to the midline of the face were evaluated.

RESULTS

In migraine and control groups, the most commonly seen structure was single notch. Coexistence of foramen and notch was statistically significant in migraine and female migraine groups than control and female control groups (P < 0.05). Bilateral presence of supraorbital structure was 51.4% in migraine group and 64.3% in control group patients. In all cases, foramen-midline distance was statistically significant longer than the notch-midline distance (P < 0.05). In migraine patients, no statistically significant difference was detected regarding distances of foramen and notch to midline in terms of side and gender.

CONCLUSION

Consideration of variable presence and location of the supraorbital notch and foramen, analysis of computed tomography scan might be beneficial in preoperative planning of foraminotomy and fascial band release in adult migraine patients to prevent intraoperative complications. Also, coexistence is more frequent on left side in migraine patients that might cause overlooking those structures during surgery.

Treatment of Frontal Secondary Headache Attributed to Supratrochlear and Supraorbital Nerve Entrapment With Oral Medication or Botulinum Toxin Type A vs Endoscopic Decompression Surgery

Importance

Endoscopic surgical decompression of the supratrochlear nerve (STN) and supraorbital nerve (SON) is a new treatment for patients with frontal chronic headache who are refractory to standard treatment options.

Objective

To evaluate and compare treatment outcomes of oral medication, botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) injections, and endoscopic decompression surgery in frontal secondary headache attributed to STN and supraorbital SON entrapment.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Prospective cohort study of 22 patients from a single institution (Diakonessen Hospital Utrecht) with frontal headache of moderate-to-severe intensity (visual analog scale [VAS] score, 7-10), frontally located, experienced more than 15 days per month, and described as pressure or tension that intensifies with pressure on the area of STN and SON. A screening algorithm was used that included examination, questionnaire, computed tomography of the sinus, injections of local anesthetic, and BoNT/A in the corrugator muscle.

Interventions

Different oral medication therapy for headache encountered in the study cohort, as well as BoNT/A injections (15 IU) into the corrugator muscle. Surgical procedures were performed by a single surgeon using an endoscopic surgical approach to release the supraorbital ridge periosteum and to bluntly dissect the glabellar muscle group.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Headache VAS intensity after oral medication and BoNT/A injections. Additionally, early postoperative follow-up consisted of a daily headache questionnaire that was evaluated after 1 year.

Results

In total, 22 patients (mean [SD] age, 42.0 [15.3] years; 7 men and 15 women) were included in this cohort study. Oral medication therapy reduced the headache intensity significantly (mean [standard error of the mean {SEM}] VAS score, 6.45 [0.20] [95% CI, 0.34-3.02; P < .001] compared with mean [SEM] pretreatment VAS score, 8.13 [0.22]). Botulinum toxin type A decreased the mean (SEM) headache intensity VAS scores significantly as well (pretreatment, 8.1 [0.22] vs posttreatment, 2.9 [0.42]; 95% CI, 3.89-6.56; P < .001). The mean (SEM) pretreatment headache intensity VAS score (8.10 [0.22]) decreased significantly after surgery at 3 months (1.30 [0.55]; 95% CI, 5.48-8.16; P < .001) and 12 months (1.09 [0.50]; 95% CI, 5.71-8.38; P < .001). There was a significant decrease of headache intensity VAS score in the surgical group over the BoNT/A group (mean [SEM] VAS score, 2.90 [0.42]) after 3 months (mean [SEM] VAS score, 1.30 [0.55]; 95% CI, 0.25-2.93; P < .001) and 12 months (mean [SEM] VAS score, 1.09 [0.50]; 95% CI, 0.48-3.16; P < .001) after surgery.

Conclusions and Relevance

Endoscopic decompression surgery had a long-lasting successful outcome in this type of frontal secondary headache. Even though BoNT/A had a positive effect, the effect of surgery was significantly higher.

Level of Evidence

3.

The effects of Botulinum toxin on the detection of gradual changes in facial emotion

When we feel sad or depressed, our face invariably “drops”. Conversely, when we try to cheer someone up, we might tell them “keep your smile up”, so presupposing that modifying the configuration of their facial muscles will enhance their mood. A crucial assumption that underpins this hypothesis is that mental states are shaped by information originating from the peripheral neuromotor system — a view operationalised as the Facial Feedback Hypothesis. We used botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) injected over the frown area to temporarily paralyse muscles necessary to express anger. Using a pre-post treatment design, we presented participants with gradually changing videos of a face morphing from neutral to full-blown expressions of either anger or happiness and asked them to press a button as soon as they had detected any change in the display. Results indicate that while all participants (control and BoNT-A) improved their reaction times from pre-test to post-test, the BoNT-A group did not when detecting anger in the post-test. We surmise that frown paralysis disadvantaged participants in their ability to improve the detection of anger. Our finding suggests that facial feedback causally affects perceptual awareness of changes in emotion, as well as people’s ability to use perceptual information to learn.

Can Functional Nasal Surgery Treat Chronic Headaches? A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Nasal surgery is one of the most common operations performed by plastic surgeons. The link between functional nasal surgery and improvement in nasal breathing is well established, but there are other metrics that have been shown to improve as a result of anatomical correction of the nose. Current literature suggests that surgery to remove nasal mucosal contact points can reduce symptoms in chronic headache patients. The authors conducted a systematic literature review to determine the validity of this hypothesis.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was performed using the terms "headache," "rhinogenic headache," "contact point," "migraine," and "surgery/endoscopy."

RESULTS

The authors identified 39 articles encompassing a total of 1577 patients who underwent surgery to treat mucosal contact point headaches. Septoplasty and turbinate reduction were the most commonly performed procedures, often in combination with endoscopic sinus surgery. Analysis of the combined data demonstrated improvement in the reported severity of patient symptoms, with 1289 patients (85 percent) reporting partial or complete resolution of headaches postoperatively. Average visual analogue scale scores and number of headache days in patients undergoing nasal surgery were reduced from 7.4 ± 0.9 to 2.6 ± 1.2 (p < 0.001) and 22 ± 4.3 days to 6.4 ± 4.2 days (p = 0.016), respectively. Improvement in headache symptoms was significantly associated with a positive response to preoperative anesthetic testing, and with inclusion of endoscopic sinus surgery as part of the surgery.

CONCLUSION

Functional nasal surgery is a viable option to improve headache symptoms in appropriately selected patients.

Entrapment Neuropathy: A Concept for Pathogenesis and Treatment of Headaches-A Narrative Review

Entrapment neuropathy is a known cause of neurological disorders. In the head and neck area, this pathophysiological mechanism could be a trigger for headache. Over the last few decades, injection of botulinum toxin type A in the muscles that are causing the compression as well as surgical decompression have proved to be effective treatment methods worldwide for large numbers of patients with daily headaches. In particular the entrapment of the supraorbital nerves in the glabellar musculature and the occipital nerves in the neck musculature are triggers for headache disorders for which many patients are still seeking an effective treatment. This article reviews the literature and aims to bring the concept of neural entrapment to the attention of a wider audience. By doing so, we hope to give more exposure to an effective and relatively safe headache treatment.

Extracranial Trigger Site Surgery for Migraine: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis on Elimination of Headache Symptoms

Introduction: The headache phase of migraine could in selected cases potentially be treated by surgical decompression of one or more “trigger sites,” located at frontal, temporal, nasal, and occipital sites. This systematic review with subsequent meta-analysis aims at critically evaluating the currently available evidence for the surgical treatment of migraine headache and to determine the effect size of this treatment in a specific patient population.

Methods: This study was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. An online database search was performed. Inclusion was based on studies published between 2000 and March 2018, containing a diagnosis of migraine in compliance with the classification of the International Headache Society. The treatment must consist of one or more surgical procedures involving the extracranial nerves and/or arteries with outcome data available at minimum 6 months.

Results: Eight hundred and forty-seven records were identified after duplicates were removed, 44 full text articles were assessed and 14 records were selected for inclusion. A total number of 627 patients were included in the analysis. A proportion of 0.38 of patients (random effects model, 95% CI [0.30–0.46]) experienced elimination of migraine headaches at 6–12 months follow-up. Using data from three randomized controlled trials, the calculated odds ratio for 90–100% elimination of migraine headaches is 21.46 (random effects model, 95% CI [5.64–81.58]) for patients receiving migraine surgery compared to sham or no surgery.

Conclusions: Migraine surgery leads to elimination of migraine headaches in 38% of the migraine patients included in this review. However, more elaborate randomized trials are needed with transparent reporting of patient selection, medication use, and surgical procedures and implementing detailed and longer follow-up times.

Surgical Treatment of Migraine Headache: Back to the Future

Understanding the history and evolution of ideas is key to developing an understanding of complex phenomena and is the foundation for surgical innovation. This historical review on migraine surgery takes us back to the beginnings of interventional management for migraine centuries ago, and reflects on present practices to highlight how far we have come. From Al-Zahrawi and Ambroise Paré to Bahman Guyuron, two common themes of the past and present have emerged in the treatment of migraine headache. Extracranial treatment of both nerves and vessels is being performed and analyzed, with no consensus among current practitioners as to which structure is involved. Knowledge of past theories and new insights will help guide our efforts in the future. One thing is clear: Where we are going, there are no roads. At least not yet.

Surgical intervention for chronic migraine headache: A systematic review

•

A focus on sound systematic review methodology to present an unbiased and scientific assessment of the body of knowledge for migraine surgery.

•

Comprehensive search strategy included a range of study types to capture all relevant reports of primary clinical research, enabling a global evaluation of the topic.

•

A descriptive analysis allowing an overview of the likely effect of a variety of surgical interventions, with a snapshot of the rates of recurrence and adverse events.

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Formalised assessment of methodological quality using the GRADE approach identifies specific flaws affecting the reliability of migraine surgery research to date.

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Limited by a paucity of methodological quality in included studies, heterogeneous interventions, inconsistent outcome reporting and variability in baseline data, intervention data and outcome data.

Aims

Migraine is a global phenomenon, affecting more than 10% of the world's population. It is characterized by unilateral headache that may be accompanied by vomiting, nausea, photophobia and phonophobia. Some patients with chronic migraine respond to extra-cranial botulinum toxin type A injection, although the benefits observed are temporary. The rationale for surgical trigger site deactivation is to achieve lasting symptomatic improvement or permanent relief from migraine.

Methods

We performed a PRISMA-compliant systematic review of clinical studies evaluating surgical intervention for migraine by searching Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to June 2017. Studies were independently screened by two authors. Data were extracted on study characteristics, migraine outcomes, adverse events and recurrence. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. The review protocol was prospectively registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42017068577).

Results

The search strategy identified 789 articles; of them, 18 studies (4 RCTs and 14 case series) were eligible for analysis. Surgical interventions were heterogeneous and variably involved peripheral nerve decompression by myectomy or foraminotomy, nerve excision, artery resection and/or nasal surgery. All studies reported significant reductions in migraine intensity, frequency, duration and composite headache scores following surgery. Study heterogeneity precluded formal meta-analysis. Where reported, adverse event rates varied markedly between studies. The quality of included studies was consistently low or very low.

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of any specific surgical intervention for chronic migraine, especially with regard to permanent relief; however, all included studies report improvements in key outcomes following migraine surgery. A definitive, well-powered RCT with objective surgical and patient-reported outcome measures and robust adverse event reporting is required.

The role of the otolaryngologist in the evaluation and management of headaches

BACKGROUND

Headaches are commonly evaluated in otolaryngology and often represent a diagnostic dilemma. This review addresses rhinogenic headache as well as trigeminal neuralgia and migraine, both of which can masquerade as sinus headache and whose management increasingly involves otolaryngology intervention. Discussion considers diagnostic criteria and novel therapies and derives an algorithm for clinical decision-making.

DATA SOURCES

OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases.

METHODS

A literature search was performed to identify relevant articles published in the past 10 years addressing the diagnosis and management of rhinogenic headache, trigeminal neuralgia and/or migraine.

FINDINGS

Rhinogenic headache: Identification of the specific cause must be achieved before treatment. No studies have mentioned the effect of certain therapies on the amelioration of headache. New techniques of balloon dilation for sinusitis are controversial, and their use remains contingent on surgeon preference. Removal of mucosal contact points has been shown to benefit quality of life in patients with contact point headache. Trigeminal neuralgia: Microvascular decompression is considered the gold standard for treatment, but percutaneous therapies can be effective for achieving pain control. Migraine: Patients who report amelioration of symptoms after targeted botulinum toxin injection may benefit from definitive decompression or nerve avulsion. Patients with mucosal contact points may have less favorable outcomes with migraine surgery if they are not simultaneously addressed.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive understanding of the diagnostic workup and therapeutic options available for common headache etiologies is key to the management of a patient presenting with headache attributed to a rhinogenic cause.

Surgical Therapy of Temporal Triggered Migraine Headache

Background

The auriculotemporal and zygomaticotemporal nerves are the 2 primary trigger points in the temporal area of migraine headache. Different surgical approaches are described in literature, either open or endoscopic ones.

Methods

We described and delineated the currently adopted strategies to treat temporal trigger points in migraine headache. Furthermore, we reported our personal experience in the field.

Results

Regardless of the type of approach, outcomes observed were similar and ranged from 89% to 67% elimination / >50% reduction rates. All procedures are minimally invasive and only minor complications are reported, with an incidence ranging from 1% to 5%.

Conclusions

Just like upper limb compressive neuropathies, migraine headache is believed to be caused by chronic compression of peripheral nerves (ie, the terminal branches of trigeminal nerve) caused by surrounding structures (eg, muscles, vessels, and fascial bands) the removal of which eventually results in improvement or elimination of migraine attacks. Particular attention should be paid to the close nerve/artery relationship often described in anatomical studies and clinical reports.

Positional Patterns Among the Auriculotemporal Nerve, Superficial Temporal Artery, and Superficial Temporal Vein for use in Decompression Treatments for Migraine

This study aimed to clarify intersection patterns and points among the superficial temporal artery (STA), superficial temporal vein (STV), and auriculotemporal nerve (ATN) based on surface anatomical landmarks to provide useful anatomical information for surgical decompression treatments of migraine headaches in Asians. Thirty-eight hemifaces were dissected. The positional patterns among the ATN, STA, and STV were divided into three morphological types. In type I, the ATN ran toward the temporal region and superficially intersected the STA and STV (n = 32, 84.2%). In type II, the ATN ran toward the temporal region and deeply intersected the STA and STV (n = 4, 10.5%). In type III, the ATN ran toward the temporal region and deeply intersected the STV alone (n = 2, 5.3%). The intersection points of types II and III were 10.3 ± 5.6 mm (mean ± SD) and 10.4 ± 6.1 mm anterior and 42.1 ± 21.6 mm and 41.4 ± 18.7 mm superior to the tragus, respectively. The ATN superficially intersected the STA and STV in all the Korean cadaver, while the ATN deeply intersected the STA and STV in 15% of the Thai cadavers. The pattern of the ATN deeply intersecting the STA and STV was less common in present Asian populations than in previously-reported Caucasian populations, implying that migraine headaches (resulting from the STA and STV compressing the ATN) are less common in Asians.

Optimizing Exposure for the Occipital Nerve in Migraine Surgery while Maintaining Hair Length

Surgical decompression of the greater occipital nerve is used in the treatment of migraine headaches. Generally, hair is removed from the posterior scalp to aid with exposure and minimize interference. The securing of occipital hair with surgical tape and rubber bands instead of preoperative hair removal is a viable alternative. The preservation of hair length can lead to better patient satisfaction by avoiding the hair length discrepancies and has demonstrated a low risk of surgical-site infection.

Hair Transplantation in Migraine Headache Patients

Background:

Migraine headache is a primary neurologic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. As a consequence, quality of life is diminished, productivity suffers (through loss of work force), and treatment costs are substantial. The occurrence rate in the general population is quite high, with women accounting for 3 of every 4 cases.

Methods:

Between January 2011 and May 2012, a total of 221 patients received hair transplants. Another 590 patients underwent hair transplantation between June 2012 and December 2016. Initially (first interval), patients were not questioned on migraine headaches in preoperative visits, but questioning was regularly done thereafter. Overall, 150 patients given transplants in the first period were surveyed by phone regarding preoperative migraine headaches. Aside from the 1 incidental discovery, no other instances of migraine emerged. Headache origins were occipital-frontal in 2 patients, occipital-temporal in 2 patients, and occipital-temporal-frontal in the 2 others. Donor/receiver areas in hair transplantation and migraine trigger zones shared locations. Headache frequencies ranged from 4 to 8 days per month (average, 6 days), and pain scores were 5–8 (10 being highest). Duration of pain was 3–5 hours (average, 4 hours). All six patients had used various medications, such as triptans, ergot, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, before hair transplantation. The 1 female patient was a 32-year-old seeking treatment for alopecia, with a 6-year history of migraine headaches. The male patients presenting with androgenetic alopecia (grade 4–5 by Norwood classification) had 6- to 20-year migrainous histories.

Results:

After hair transplantation, each migraine sufferer was checked once in the first month and then once every 3 months. Those who could not appear in person after the first year were evaluated by phone every 3 months. Migraine headaches had ceased in all 6 patients, none of whom used medical treatments for migraines thereafter. The postoperative improvement each patient experienced was dramatic (P < 0.001). Overall, the mean intensity of headaches declined from 6.6 ± 1.47 to 0, on an analog scale of 1–10 (P < 0.001); and mean headache frequency was reduced from 5.83 ± 1.03/month to 0/month (P < 0.001). Likewise, the migraine pain index fell from a mean of 149.33 ± 19.21/month to mean of 0/month (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

This report details 6 patients who experienced abatement of migraine headache symptoms following hair transplantation. The positive effects of hair transplantation on migraine headache and potential mechanisms of action are also discussed.

Interface Between Cosmetic and Migraine Surgery

This article describes connections between migraine surgery and cosmetic surgery including technical overlap, benefits for patients, and why every plastic surgeon may consider screening cosmetic surgery patients for migraine headache (MH). Contemporary migraine surgery began by an observation made following forehead rejuvenation, and the connection has continued. The prevalence of MH among females in the USA is 26%, and females account for 91% of cosmetic surgery procedures and 81-91% of migraine surgery procedures, which suggests substantial overlap between both patient populations. At the same time, recent reports show an overall increase in cosmetic facial procedures. Surgical techniques between some of the most commonly performed facial surgeries and migraine surgery overlap, creating opportunity for consolidation. In particular, forehead lift, blepharoplasty, septo-rhinoplasty, and rhytidectomy can easily be part of the migraine surgery, depending on the migraine trigger sites. Patients could benefit from simultaneous improvement in MH symptoms and rejuvenation of the face. Simple tools such as the Migraine Headache Index could be used to screen cosmetic surgery patients for MH. Similarity between patient populations, demand for both facial and MH procedures, and technical overlap suggest great incentive for plastic surgeons to combine both. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

MR Neurography of Greater Occipital Nerve Neuropathy: Initial Experience in Patients with Migraine

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

MR imaging of peripheral nerves (MR neurography) allows improved assessment of nerve anatomy and pathology. The objective of this study was to evaluate patients with unilateral occipital neuralgia using MR neurography and to assess the differences in greater occipital nerve signal and size between the symptomatic and asymptomatic sides.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this case-control evaluation using MR neurography, bilateral greater occipital nerve caliber, signal intensity, signal-to-noise ratios, and contrast-to-noise ratios were determined by 2 observers.

RESULTS

Among 18 subjects with unilateral occipital migraines, the average greater occipital nerve diameter for the symptomatic side was significantly greater at 1.77 ± 0.4 mm than for the asymptomatic side at 1.29 ± 0.25 mm (P = .001). The difference in nerve signal intensity between the symptomatic and asymptomatic sides was statistically significant at 269.06 ± 170.93 and 222.44 ± 170.46, respectively (P = .043). The signal-to-noise ratios on the symptomatic side were higher at 15.79 ± 4.59 compared with the asymptomatic nerve at 14.02 ± 5.23 (P = .009). Contrast-to-noise ratios were significantly higher on the symptomatic side than on the asymptomatic side at 2.57 ± 4.89 and -1.26 ± 5.02, respectively (P = .004). Intraobserver performance was good to excellent (intraclass coefficient correlation, 0.68-0.93), and interobserver performance was fair to excellent (intraclass coefficient correlation, 0.54-0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

MR neurography can be reliably used for the diagnosis of greater occipital nerve neuropathy in patients with unilateral occipital migraines with a good correlation of imaging findings to the clinical presentation.

Association of Upper Eyelid Ptosis Repair and Blepharoplasty With Headache-Related Quality of Life

Importance

Headache can be a functional indication for ptosis repair and blepharoplasty.

Objective

To evaluate the changes in headache-related quality of life in patients who underwent upper eyelid ptosis repair or blepharoplasty.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A prospective cohort study was conducted among 108 patients who underwent standard upper eyelid blepharoplasty and 44 patients who underwent ptosis repair (levator resection, Müller muscle resection, or frontalis suspension) for obscuration of the superior visual field at an ophthalmology clinic's oculoplastic department from September 1, 2014, to September 1, 2015. A validated headache-related quality-of-life survey, the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT), was administered preoperatively and postoperatively to patients who had tension-type headache. The minimum time interval after the operation was 3 months (mean, 13.5 weeks; range, 12-17 weeks).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Postoperative HIT scores, decline in HIT scores, and marginal reflex distance test 1 scores.

Results

Of the 108 patients (66 women and 42 men; mean [SD] age, 49.8 [10.7] years) who underwent blepharoplasty and the 44 patients (26 women and 18 men; mean [SD] age, 45.6 [17.8] years) who underwent ptosis repair, 38 (35.2%) and 28 (63.6%), respectively, had symptoms of tension-type headaches. In both groups, the mean (SD) postoperative HIT scores were statistically significantly better than the preoperative HIT scores (blepharoplasty group: preoperative score, 55.9 [6.6] vs postoperative score, 46.4 [9.0]; ptosis repair group: preoperative score, 60.0 [7.2] vs postoperative score, 42.3 [9.3]; P = .001). In the patients who underwent ptosis repair, the mean (SD) preoperative HIT score was significantly higher than in those who underwent blepharoplasty (60.0 [7.2] vs 55.9 [6.6]; P = .007) and the postoperative HIT score was significantly lower than those who underwent blepharoplasty (42.3 [9.3] vs 46.4 [9.0]; P = .03). The mean (SD) decline in the HIT score was significantly higher in patients who underwent ptosis repair than in those who underwent blepharoplasty (17.8 [9.9] vs 9.5 [8.6]; P = .002). For patients who underwent ptosis repair, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between the results on the marginal reflex distance test 1 (median, 1.82; minimum, 1.0; maximum, 3.5) and change in the HIT score (median, 18; minimum, 0; maximum, 30) (P = .005; r = -0.645). In patients who underwent ptosis repair, the mean (SD) difference between the preoperative and postoperative HIT scores was significantly higher for the patients who underwent levator resection (3.1 [0.3]) than for those who underwent Müller muscle resection (1.5 [0.7]) and frontalis suspension procedures (1.9 [0.7]) (P = .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

The operations for ptosis and blepharoptosis provide significant relief for tension-type headache and result in improved headache-related quality of life. As a result, tension-type headache can be a functional indication for upper eyelid blepharoplasty and ptosis repair, especially for patients with lower results on the marginal reflex distance test 1.

Level of Evidence

3.

Motor Innervation of the Corrugator Supercilii Muscle in Relation to Orbital Landmarks: Guidelines for Surgical Denervation

Precise knowledge of the nerve supply of the corrugator supercilii muscle (CSM) is a prerequisite for performing a selective denervation of the CSM. The authors' goal was to determine the course and variability of the motor nerves of the CSM in relation to fixed orbital landmarks. The facial nerve branches toward the CSM were identified during microscopic dissection of 9 Caucasian formaldehyde-fixed cadaver half-heads. The distances between the branches and defined landmarks were measured. All branches to the transverse head of the CSM ran between 15 and 32 mm superior to the lateral orbital margin. Medially the CSM was supplied by a superficial zygomatic, buccal, or bucco-zygomatic branch, which was much smaller than the temporal branches. This branch ran 4 to 7 mm medial to the medial canthus. This anatomical knowledge can be applied for surgical denervation of the corrugator supercilii muscle. The authors suggest a surgical procedure for corrugator denervation through a blepharoplasty incision.

Transpalpebral Corrugator Resection: 25-Year Experience, Refinements and Additional Indications

The senior author introduced the transpalpebral approach for the first time during the ASPS meeting in 1993. He has made some refinements in the technique and has developed newer indications for this procedure. These refinements, indications and the related new video are the subject of this report. The modifications in the technique are as follows: After elevation of the skin and the orbicularis muscle and dissection under the muscle, a thin layer of the depressor supercilii muscle overlying the darker and more friable corrugator supercilii muscle is removed. A fairly constant branch of the supraorbital nerve piercing this muscle medially is first identified on the surface and followed deep in the muscle using a mosquito hemostat. The muscle is then lifted, and then, the same nerve branch is identified above the periosteum. The segment of the muscle lateral to this nerve is then isolated and removed by first transecting it medially and then lateral to the nerve. A cephalic segment is isolated and removed using the coagulation power of the cautery to minimize the postoperative bleeding. The rest of the muscle is then removed in a piecemeal fashion as thoroughly as possible, including a lateral segment of the procerus muscle, the end point being visualization of the subcutaneous fat. If the intention of the surgery is to treat frontal migraine headaches, the supratrochlear and supraorbital arteries are also removed. If the nerve and vessel pass through a foramen, a foraminotomy is carried out on patients with migraine headaches. Two to three cc of fat is injected in the glabellar and corrugator sites in most patients to avoid any depression and to restore the lost glabellar volume. Beyond patients with male pattern baldness, those with a long forehead and those with overactive frown muscles but optimal eyebrow positions, this technique is now being used for those with proptosis, exophthalmos and those with eyelid ptosis who would not undergo ptosis correction to prevent elevation of the eyebrows, which exaggerates the proptosis or makes the eyelid ptosis more discernible. Additionally, a common indication for this surgery is in patients with frontal migraine headaches. This report highlights the refinements in the transpalpebral corrugator resection that have been implemented over the last 25 years and offers additional indications for its utilization. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Targeted Peripheral Nerve-directed Onabotulinumtoxin A Injection for Effective Long-term Therapy for Migraine Headache

Background:

Onabotulinumtoxin A (BOTOX) is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraine headaches (MHs) that involves on-label, high-dose administration across 31 anatomic sites. Anatomically specific peripheral nerve trigger sites have been identified that contribute to MH pathogenesis and are amenable to both BOTOX injection and surgical decompression. These sites do not always correlate with the on-label FDA-approved injection pattern, but represent a more targeted approach. The efficacy of peripheral nerve–directed BOTOX injection as an independent long-term therapeutic option has not been investigated.

Methods:

The technique for peripheral nerve–directed therapeutic long-term BOTOX injection is described. A retrospective review was subsequently completed for 223 patients with MH. Sixty-six patients elected to proceed with diagnostic BOTOX injections. Of these, 24 continued long-term therapeutic BOTOX injections, whereas 42 matriculated to surgery. Outcomes were tracked.

Results:

Initial outcomes included significant improvement in migraine headache index (MHI) (53.5 ± 83.0, P < 0.006), headache days/mo (9.2 ± 12.7, P < 0.0009), and migraine severity (2.6 ± 2.5, P < 0.00008) versus baseline. MHI improved from the initiation of diagnostic injections to the establishment of steady-state injections (P < 0.002), and further improved over time (P < 0.05, mean follow-up 615 days) with no desensitization observed. Decompressive surgery resulted in significant improvement in MHI (100.8 ± 109.7, P < 0.0000005), headache days/mo (10.8 ± 12.7, P < 0.000002), migraine severity (3.0 ± 3.8, P < 0.00001), and migraine duration in hours (16.8 ± 21.6, P < 0.0007). MHI improvement with surgery was better than long-term BOTOX injections (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Though inferior to surgical decompression, preliminary data demonstrate that targeted peripheral nerve–directed BOTOX injection is an effective primary therapy for MH representing a possible alternative to nondirected BOTOX injection with decreased dosage requirements and potentially decreased cost.

Anatomical Regional Targeted (ART) BOTOX Injection Technique: A Novel Paradigm for Migraines and Chronic Headaches

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Migraine headaches are a debilitating disease that causes significant socioeconomic problems. One of the speculated etiologies of the generation of migraines is peripheral nerve irritation at different trigger points. The use of Onabotulinum toxin A (BOTOX), although initially a novel approach, has now been determined to be a valid treatment for chronic headaches and migraines as described in the Phase III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy trials that prompted the approval by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of chronic migraines. The injection paradigm established by this trial was one of a broad injection pattern across large muscle groups that did not always correspond to the anatomical locations of nerves. The senior author developed the Anatomical Regional Targeted BOTOX injection paradigm as an alternative to the current injection model. This technique targets both the anatomical location of nerves known to have causal effects with migraines and the region where the pain localizes, to provide relief across a wide distribution of the peripheral nerve. This article serves as a guide to the Anatomical Regional Targeted injection technique, which, to our knowledge, is the first comprehensive BOTOX injection paradigm described in the literature for treatment of migraines that targets nerves and nerve areas rather than purely muscle groups. This technique is based on the most up-to-date anatomical and scientific studies and large-volume migraine surgery experience.

Surgical treatment of migraine headaches

The senior author (BG) introduced the modern concept of migraine surgery in 2000. Since then, over 40 articles have been published by eight centers across the US, Europe, and Asia, describing positive outcomes after surgery in 68-95% of cases. Surgeons, neurologists, and patients are increasingly interested in this new treatment method. However, the majority of publications on this topic are found in surgical literature, with few articles presented in neurology journals. This review is an introduction to migraine surgery for neurologists from a surgeons view. It discusses the surgical treatment of migraine headaches based on the discoveries made and articles published by the senior author. It outlines the current history of migraine surgery, presents evidence supporting its effectiveness, and tries to dispel claims that what we are seeing is a placebo effect. It further describes detection of trigger sites and outlines surgical techniques of peripheral nerve decompression. We hope that this review will generate a positive discussion between surgeons and neurologists and lead to more interdisciplinary collaboration for the benefit of the patients in the future.

Invasive pericranial nerve interventions

Background

In many patients suffering from primary headaches, the available pharmacological and behavioural treatments are not satisfactory. This is a review of (minimally) invasive interventions targeting pericranial nerves that could be effective in refractory patients.

Methods

The interventions we will cover have in common pericranial nerves as targets, but are distinct according to their rationale, modality and invasiveness. They range from nerve blocks/infiltrations to the percutaneous implantation of neurostimulators and surgical decompression procedures. We have critically analysed the published data (PubMed) on their effectiveness and tolerability.

Results and conclusions

There is clear evidence for a preventative effect of suboccipital injections of local anaesthetics and/or steroids in cluster headache, while evidence for such an effect is weak in migraine. Percutaneous occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) provides significant long-term relief in more than half of drug-resistant chronic cluster headache patients, but no sham-controlled trial has tested this. The evidence that ONS has lasting beneficial effects in chronic migraine is at best equivocal. Suboccipital infiltrations are quasi-devoid of side effects, while ONS is endowed with numerous, though reversible, adverse events. Claims that surgical decompression of multiple pericranial nerves is effective in migraine are not substantiated by large, rigorous, randomized and sham-controlled trials.

A comparison of outcome of medical and surgical treatment of migraine headache: In 1 year follow-up

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to compare the efficacy of the medical treatment versus the surgical treatment approach to decompression of trigger point nerves in patients with migraine headaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty volunteers were randomly assigned to the medical treatment group (n = 25) or the surgical treatment group (n = 25) after examination by the team neurologist to ensure a diagnosis of migraine headache. All patients received botulinum toxin type A to confirm the trigger sites. The surgical treatment group underwent surgical deactivation of the trigger site(s). The medical treatment group underwent prophylactic pharmacologic interventions by the neurologist. Pretreatment and 12-month posttreatment migraine headache frequency, duration, and intensity were analyzed and compared to determine the success of the treatments.

RESULTS

Nineteen of the 25 patients (76%) in the surgical treatment group and 10 of the 25 patients (40%) in the medical treatment group experienced a successful outcome (at least a 50% decrease in migraine frequency, duration, or intensity) after 1 year from surgery. Surgical treatment had a significantly higher success rate than medical treatment (P < 0.001). Nine patients (36%) in the surgical treatment group and one patient (4%) in the medical treatment group experienced cessation of migraine headaches. The elimination rate was significantly higher in the surgical treatment group than in the medical treatment group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the 1-year follow-up data, there is strong evidence that surgical manipulation of one or more migraine trigger sites can successfully eliminate or reduce the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine headaches in a lasting manner.

Supraorbital Rim Syndrome: Definition, Surgical Treatment, and Outcomes for Frontal Headache

Background:

Supraorbital rim syndrome (SORS) is a novel term attributed to a composite of anatomically defined peripheral nerve entrapment sites of the supraorbital rim region. The SORS term establishes a more consistent nomenclature to describe the constellation of frontal peripheral nerve entrapment sites causing frontal headache pain. In this article, we describe the anatomical features of SORS and evidence to support its successful treatment using the transpalpebral approach that allows direct vision of these sites and the intraconal space.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 276 patients who underwent nerve decompression or neurectomy procedures for frontal or occipital headache was performed. Of these, treatment of 96 patients involved frontal surgery, and 45 of these patients were pure SORS patients who underwent this specific frontal trigger site deactivation surgery only. All procedures involved direct surgical approach through the upper eyelid to address the nerves of the supraorbital rim at the bony rim and myofascial sites.

Results:

Preoperative and postoperative data from the Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire were analyzed with paired t test. After surgical intervention, Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire scores decreased significantly at 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

SORS describes the totality of compression sites both at the bony orbital rim and the corrugator myofascial unit for the supraorbital rim nerves. Proper diagnosis, full anatomical site knowledge, and complete decompression allow for consistent treatment. Furthermore, the direct, transpalpebral surgical approach provides significant benefit to allow complete decompression.

Intramuscular Lipoma-Induced Occipital Neuralgia on the Lesser Occipital Nerve

Occipital neuralgia (ON) is commonly characterized by a neuralgiform headache accompanied by a paroxysmal burning sensation in the dermatome area of the greater, lesser, or third occipital nerve. The authors report a rare case of ON caused by an intramuscular lipoma originating from the lesser occipital nerve.A 52-year-old man presented with sharp pain in the left postauricular area with a 3 × 2-cm palpable mass. Computed tomography revealed a mass suspiciously resembling an intramuscular lipoma within splenius muscle. In the operation field, a protruding mass causing stretching of the lesser occipital nerve was found. After complete resection, the neuralgiform headache symptom had resolved and the intramuscular lipoma was confirmed through histopathology.Previous studies on the causes of ON have reported that variation in normal anatomic structures results in nerve compression. Occipital neuralgia, however, caused by intramuscular lipomas in splenius muscles have not been previously reported, and the dramatic resolution following surgery makes it an interesting case worth reporting.

The surgical management of cephalalgia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Management of headache disorders is not part of most craniomaxillofacial surgery practices; however there are certain indications for surgical management of headaches by the craniomaxillofacial surgeon.

RECENT FINDINGS

Migraine headaches are the most amenable to surgical management and while the exact mechanism of migraine is unknown, a central or peripheral trigger such as compressive neuropathy of trigeminal nerve branches leading to neurogenic inflammation has been suggested. The primary management for episodic migraine headache should be lifestyle modification and medication, whereas for chronic migraine (>15 headache days/month) use of medication and botulinum neurotoxin is effective, whereas some patients may choose to explore surgical options. Trigger site decompression for chronic migraine surgically relieves anatomic impingement at various sites and has been shown to reduce by at least 50% the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches in over 85% and elimination of headaches in almost 60%. Trigger points may also lead to exacerbation of cluster headaches and treatment with botulinum neurotoxin may reduce attacks.

SUMMARY

Trigger site decompression is an effective treatment for chronic migraine, as are botulinum neurotoxin injections in reducing attacks in cluster headaches. The craniomaxillofacial surgeon is uniquely qualified to treat these primary headache disorders.

Decompression-Avulsion of the Auriculotemporal Nerve for Treatment of Migraines and Chronic Headaches

Surgical decompression of peripheral branches of the trigeminal and occipital nerves has been shown to alleviate migraine symptoms. Site II surgery involves decompression of the zygomaticotemporal branch of the trigeminal nerve by the technique developed by Guyuron. Failure of site II surgery may occur secondary to an inability to recognize a second temporal trigger: site V, the auriculotemporal nerve. A direct approach for site V has been used with no clear description in the literature. Herein, we describe a safe and efficient method for auriculotemporal nerve decompression during the Guyuron endoscopic approach. Close attention to all temporal sites is necessary to avoid potential failure of migraine decompression surgery.

Anatomic and Compression Topography of the Lesser Occipital Nerve

Background:

The surgical treatment of occipital headaches focuses on the greater, lesser, and third occipital nerves. The lesser occipital nerve (LON) is usually transected with relatively limited available information regarding the compression topography thereof and how such knowledge may impact surgical treatment.

Methods:

Eight fresh frozen cadavers were dissected focusing on the LON in relation to 3 clinically relevant compression zones. The x axis was a line drawn through the occipital protuberance (OP) and the y axis, the posterior midline (PM). In addition, a prospectively collected cohort of 36 patients who underwent decompression of the LON is presented with their clinical results, including migraine headache index scores.

Results:

The LON was found in compression zone 1, with a mean of 7.8 cm caudal to the OP and 6.3 cm lateral to the PM. The LON was found at the midpoint of compression zone 2, with an average of 5.5 cm caudal to the OP and 6.2 cm lateral to the PM. At compression zone 3, the medial-most LON branch was located approximately 1 cm caudal to the OP and 5.35 cm lateral to the PM, whereas the lateral-most branch was identified 1 cm caudal to the OP and 6.5 cm lateral to the PM. Of the 36 decompression patients analyzed, only 5 (14%) required neurectomy as the remainder achieved statistically significant improvements in migraine headache index scores postoperatively.

Conclusion:

The knowledge of LON anatomy can aid in nerve dissection and preservation, thereby leading to successful outcomes without requiring neurectomy.