Refractory migraines may respond to occipital nerve stimulation, according to Dr. Joel Saper who led a multicenter trial of this treatment. An electrode was surgically implanted in the back of the head, where the occipital nerve is located, and a pacemaker-size device was implanted under the skin. The trial looked at 110 patients who had more than 15 days with migraines each month and who did not respond to a variety of medications. 66 patients completed the diary information for three months following the start of treatment. The results were encouraging – 39% of patients improved, compared with 6% in the control group. None of the patients had any adverse events.
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