It should also be noted that, contrary to the sensationalized headlines coming from some mainstream media outlets, ONS is not a cure for Migraine disease. It can be an effective preventive treatment for some patients, but it addresses only some Migraine triggers, not all. Thus, patients using ONS may see a reduction in Migraine and headache frequency, but not a complete cessation of Migraines and headaches.
____________
Sources:
1 Dodick, David W., MD. "Occipital Nerve Stimulation." Platform Presentation. American Headache Society's 50th Annual Scientific Meeting. Boston. June 27, 2008.
2 Goadsby, Peter J., MD. "Neurostimulation in primary headache syndromes." Expert Rev. Neurotherapeutics 7(12), 1785-1789 (2007).
3 Press Release. "Medtronic Announces First Clinical Data on Occipital Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Migraine to be Presented at American Headache Society Meeting." Medtronic. Minneapolis. June 27, 2008.
4 Interview with Sheila Brown, FDA Center For Devices and Radiological Health. June 10, 2008.
5 Interview with unnamed leading Migraine and headache specialist. June 28, 2008.
© Teri Robert, 2008.
Last updated July 7, 2008.
