Chronic Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition affecting millions, defined by 15 or more headache days per month, with at least 8 being migraine attacks. Traditional treatment often involves medications, but for many patients, drugs provide inadequate relief or come with side effects.
Interventional migraine therapy uses targeted, image-guided techniques to relieve pain by interrupting nerve pathways or modulating pain signals. At CARE CHL Hospital, Indore, Dr. Alok K. Udiya offers nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and neuromodulation techniques for chronic migraine—especially for those who have failed conventional therapy.
These procedures are safe, minimally invasive, and often provide long-term relief with significantly reduced reliance on medications.
Key Benefits of Interventional Migraine Management
- Targeted Pain Relief: Treats the specific nerve or trigger point causing the migraine.
- Minimally Invasive: No surgery or hospital stay required.
- Fewer Side Effects: Compared to chronic drug use.
- Quick Recovery: Resume normal activities within hours to a day.
- Repeatable and Adjustable: Can be modified based on patient response.
- Can Be Combined with Other Therapies: Works alongside lifestyle changes or medications if needed.
Types of Interventional Procedures Offered
1. Occipital Nerve Block
- Injection of local anesthetic and steroid near the greater occipital nerve
- Useful for migraine with neck/occipital pain
- Relief can last from weeks to months
2. Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Block
- Nasal or injection-based block of the SPG—a key migraine pathway
- Reduces frequency and intensity of attacks
- Effective in cluster headaches and facial pain syndromes
3. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Heat-based technique to desensitize overactive pain nerves
- Long-lasting effect (6–12 months)
- Ideal for patients who respond to blocks but need longer relief
4. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
- Use of a small, implanted device to deliver gentle electrical pulses
- Recommended for intractable migraines
- Reduces both intensity and frequency of attacks
How This Treatment Works
Interventional techniques work by:
- Blocking pain signal transmission
- Reducing inflammation in nerve roots or ganglia
- Modulating overactive pain circuits in the brain and face
Each therapy is tailored to migraine pattern, trigger site, and patient response.
Who Should Consider These Procedures?
You may benefit if you:
- Have chronic migraine or cluster headache
- Failed 2 or more preventive medications
- Can’t tolerate daily migraine medications
- Experience daily or disabling headaches
- Want a non-pharmaceutical solution
Why Choose Dr. Alok K. Udiya for Migraine Interventions?
- Specialist in neurointerventional and image-guided pain procedures
- Uses ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance for precise targeting
- Works with neurologists and pain specialists to personalize care
- Proven success in reducing headache burden and improving quality of life
FAQs – Interventional Procedures for Migraine
Q1. How long does the relief last?
Depending on the technique:
- Nerve blocks: weeks to months
- RFA: 6–12 months
- PNS: long-term, adjustable
Q2. Are these procedures painful?
No. Most are done under local anesthesia and are well tolerated.
Q3. Can these replace medications completely?
In many cases, yes. Some patients may still require occasional preventive or rescue medication.
Q4. How soon will I feel relief?
Most procedures provide relief within hours to a few days.
Q5. Are there risks?
Risks are minimal and may include:
- Mild soreness
- Temporary numbness
- Rare infection or allergic reaction
Q6. Will my insurance cover this?
Yes, many insurers recognize these under neurological or pain management procedures.
Q7. Are these procedures repeatable?
Yes. If symptoms recur, the treatment can be safely repeated.