Hypothalamic stimulation for intractable cluster headache: long-term experience

Neurology. 2006 Jul 11;67(1):150-2. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000223319.56699.8a.

Abstract

The authors report long-term results of continuous hypothalamic stimulation in 16 chronic drug-refractory patients with cluster headache (CH). At a mean follow-up of 23 months, 13 patients are persistently pain-free or almost pain-free, and the other 3 are improved. There are no persistent side effects. Hypothalamic stimulation is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated alternative to surgery for chronic patients with drug-refractory CH.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cluster Headache / pathology
  • Cluster Headache / surgery*
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy* / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamus / pathology
  • Hypothalamus / physiopathology
  • Hypothalamus / radiation effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Single-Blind Method