Migraine Treatment: What is it?
For migraine and headaches lasting many days a month, the aim is fewer attacks without relying on painkillers. Depending on the headache type, we plan occipital nerve block, sphenopalatine ganglion block, botulinum toxin for chronic migraine and, when needed, pulsed radiofrequency. A headache diary and medication review are part of the treatment.
Who it’s for
- Chronic migraine (15+ days a month)
- Frequent episodic migraine
- Occipital neuralgia
- Tension-type headache
- Cluster headache
- Medication-overuse headache
Before the procedure
Bring MRI or CT scans from the past year (disc and report).
Always tell us if you take them. Your doctor decides whether to pause them; do not stop on your own.
If sedation is planned, do not eat for the time you are told.
Come with someone who can take you home; do not drive.
Wear loose clothes that give easy access to the treatment area.
Tell us in advance about possible pregnancy, diabetes, allergies or a pacemaker.
How it’s done
- 1Assessment
Headache type, frequency, triggers and current medication are reviewed in detail.
- 2Plan
A block, botulinum toxin or pulsed RF is chosen according to the source of pain.
- 3Treatment
Done with fine needles in a few minutes, often without even local anaesthesia.
- 4Follow-up
Attack frequency is tracked with a headache diary; treatment is repeated at intervals if needed.
After the procedure
Right after
After a short rest you can return to daily activities.
Onset
Relief from nerve blocks can start quickly; botulinum toxin takes 1–2 weeks to take effect.
Headache diary
Recording the number and severity of attacks helps plan treatment.
Repeat
Preventive treatments are usually repeated at intervals (e.g. about every 3 months for botulinum toxin).
Risks and side effects
Like any medical procedure, this treatment has possible side effects. Most are mild and temporary; you receive detailed information and give written consent beforehand.
Tenderness at the injection site, brief dizziness or a mild headache.
Temporary neck stiffness or heaviness, rarely mild eyelid droop; usually resolves within weeks.
Infection, bleeding or an allergic reaction. Some treatments are not given during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Questions
Will my migraine go away completely?
Migraine is a chronic condition; the aim is fewer and milder attacks and less need for painkillers.
Do I need to stop my medication?
No, don't stop on your own. Your medication is reviewed at the assessment and adjusted with your doctor.
Information on this site is for general guidance and does not replace a medical examination.