A NERVE-SPARING ENDOSCOPIC TUNNEL TECHNIQUE FOR THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF CHRONIC OCCIPITAL MIGRAINE
Keywords:
chronic migraine, occipital region, greater occipital nerve, endoscopic surgery, nerve-sparing techniqueAbstract
Background. Chronic migraine with pain localized in the occipital region is often associated with compression of the greater occipital nerve within its myofascial segment and is frequently resistant to conservative therapy. Traditional surgical approaches based on direct access and neurodestructive techniques are limited by a high rate of sensory complications and unstable clinical outcomes.
Objective. To develop and clinically substantiate an improved nerve-sparing surgical technique for the treatment of chronic occipital migraine.
Materials and Methods. Surgical outcomes of patients with chronic occipital migraine were analyzed. In the main group, an improved technique was applied, including an endoscopic tunnel approach, selective decompression of the greater occipital nerve, and prevention of re-compression using adipose tissue interposition. The results were compared with those obtained using conventional surgical methods.
Results. The nerve-sparing endoscopic technique reduced surgical trauma, decreased the incidence of sensory complications, and provided a more stable reduction in pain intensity. Improved predictability of clinical outcomes and a lower need for repeat surgical interventions were observed.
Conclusion. The proposed improved surgical technique is an effective and reproducible method for the treatment of chronic occipital migraine and may be recommended for widespread implementation in specialized surgical centers.
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