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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Occipital Nerve Stimulation
        
(Message started by: williamsmh on May 31^st, 2003, 3:26pm)

Title: Occipital Nerve Stimulation
Post by williamsmh on May 31^st, 2003, 3:26pm

I made an appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale Arizona for July 21st.

I will be seeing Dr. Dodick and a surgeon to discuss the Occipital Nerve Stimulation therapy that they are pioneering.

The idea behind this (as I understand it without meeting with them) is to put two "pace maker" type devices under the skin in the back of your neck. These devices continually stimulate the Occiptial nerves that somehow interact with the Trigeminal nerves. The Trigeminals are the ones that they nuke with gamma knife. Supposedly the continual stimulation will stop clusters.... The report is that the first patient has been cluster free for like 7 months - he was chronic having 5 clusters a day.

I am chronic and just turned 40 years old. My neuro is getting continually concerned about me taking imitrex 1-3 times a day, every day because of the risk to my heart. So...he suggested Gamma Knife.

I refuse to do the Gamma Knife because of the potential facial paralysis and lack of effectiveness. I'm also tired of being drugged all the time with little help for my clusters.

The 21st is an evaluation to make sure that I am suitable for the procedure and for me to get information to see whether I want to have it done.

I will update you all after I know more!

Mark

Title: Re: Occipital Nerve Stimulation
Post by forgetfulnot on May 31^st, 2003, 9:18pm

Good luck man, you have no choice but to tell all to the group, we are depending on ya!

Lee