Newsletter
MUNICH, Germany: Cluster headache is one of the most severe forms of headache. It is usually unilateral and occurs mostly around the eye or in the temple. Attacks last up to several hours. A new mini-implant, which is inserted into the gingival tissue and activated with a remote control, can help those affected to obtain fast and lasting relief.
In many people, cluster headache leads to a significant loss of quality of life: the constant fear of the next attack limits them with regard to their job; they may not even venture from their home. According to a study, people suffering from this kind of headache even have an increased risk of suicide because of the pain intensity.
Not much is known about cluster headache and its causes. A diagnosis is often made only after several years. Patients are usually treated with strong painkillers or headache medication and 100 per cent oxygen. However, these therapies are not always successful or may be associated with severe side-effects.
A new type of cluster headache treatment is the stimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG). This bundle of nerves is located behind the nose and known to play a pivotal role in severe headaches. The ATI Neurostimulation System stimulates the SPG in order to break the pain cycle.
The neurostimulator, which is the size of an almond, is inserted through a small incision in the gingiva and programmed by the physician. As cluster headache occurs unilaterally, the implant is inserted on the relevant side. The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes about an hour.
The minimally invasive procedure leaves no visible scars. Usually, the patient remains in hospital for one night after surgery. Approximately four weeks later, an individual adaptation of the ATI neurostimulator is performed and fine tuning follows within the next one to three months.
The patient can control his or her therapy independently via a remote control. When a cluster attack occurs, he or she holds the device against the cheek to activate the implant. This stimulates the SPG and abates the attack. In many patients, the frequency of attacks decreases permanently.
The effectiveness of the ATI Neurostimulation System has been clinically proven in the most comprehensive medical study on cluster headache. It proved that the patients’ quality of life was improved significantly and inconveniences caused by the headache significantly reduced. With the ATI neurostimulator, 82 per cent of all attacks—even medium to severe—can be treated effectively, the manufacturer, Autonomic Technologies, stated. In 46 per cent of patients, the attack frequency was reduced significantly—from an average of 14 down to two attacks per week.
The ATI Neurostimulation System has been introduced at nine clinics in Germany and is in use in Belgium.
