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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Gamma Knife Revisited
        
(Message started by: unsolved1 on Sep 2^nd, 2004, 7:28am)

Title: Gamma Knife Revisited
Post by unsolved1 on Sep 2^nd, 2004, 7:28am

I'm wondering if anyone has any NEW information about Gamma Knife & cluster headaches. Links will be appreciated.

Has a cluster patient done this before ?
What was the outcome ? Success rate ?
Side effects ?
Who did it ?

Is Gamma Knife ONLY considered on a patient with strictly one-sided headaches. (Like only on the right side) ?

I need some info guys. Please help fill in the blanks if possible. It's research time !!

PF Wishes,
unsolved

Title: Re: Gamma Knife Revisited
Post by Lizzie2 on Sep 2^nd, 2004, 5:26pm

You've probably seen this article...it's kind of old, but thought I'd show you anyhow!!

Quote:

Gamma knife treatment of refractory cluster headache.
Ford RG - Headache - 01-JAN-1998; 38(1): 3-9
From NIH/NLM MEDLINE

NLM Citation ID:
9504996 (PubMed)

Full Source Title:
Headache

Publication Type:
Case Reports; Journal Article

Language:
English

Author Affiliation:
Ford Headache Clinic, Birmingham, AL 35213, USA.

Authors:
Ford RG; Ford KT; Swaid S; Young P; Jennelle R

Abstract:
Four men and two women were treated for refractory cluster headache by gamma knife radiosurgery of the trigeminal nerve root entry zone. The maximum dose of radiation was 70 Gy to the isocenter. Of five patients treated who had refractory chronic cluster headache and one with refractory episodic cluster headache, four had relief judged excellent. Of the two remaining patients with refractory chronic cluster headache, one had relief judged good and the other fair. Five of the six patients treated had relief within a few days to a week following gamma knife radiosurgery. Three with chronic cluster headache had remissions allowing cessation of all preventive and abortive medication. Although one patient experienced complete relief of chronic cluster headache, he continued to have migraine requiring medication. None of the patients treated developed significant postradiation side effects during a follow-up period of 8 to 14 months. The authors conclude that gamma knife radiosurgery of the trigeminal nerve affords great promise in the management of chronic and refractory cluster headache. The technique seemingly carries negligible short- and long- term risk.

Title: Re: Gamma Knife Revisited
Post by notseinfeld on Sep 2^nd, 2004, 6:09pm

My friend and fellow Chronic CH sufferer had the gamma knife at Piedmont Hospital here in Atlanta about a year ago. This was about the time we met so I can't speak from experience on what his condition was like prior. However, judging from the almost daily attacks I see him with now I would have to recommend against such a procedure.
Jeff had indeed tried *every* drug I'd ever heard of for CH and even a few I hadn't. It was a pot-luck shot at giving him some relief lest something, well, less savory would have happened.
He claims that it has reduced the frequency somewhat although once or twice being attacked for 'most' days doesn't seem like a $50,000 solution to me. The neuro had high hopes, as we all did, but alas the procedure by any measurable terms to be a failure. (I believe its intended use is to shrink existing and/or inoperable tumors. )

More information here: http://www.or-live.com/piedmonthospital/1141/

Title: Re: Gamma Knife Revisited
Post by unsolved1 on Sep 8^th, 2004, 9:22am

An e-mail reply from Freda Wall [fwall@atlantabrainandspine.com]
said:

Quote:

We do not treat cluster headaches with gamma knife radiosurgery.

[smiley=huh.gif]

Unsolved

Title: Re: Gamma Knife Revisited
Post by Lizzie2 on Sep 8^th, 2004, 10:04am

You could try contacting Dr. Barolat at Jefferson Hospital for Neurosciences to ask him what procedures are done for CH. Or possibly just contact the department for neurosurgery. I know they are doing the ONSI, but not sure what else exactly. I was starting to deal with them, but then got sidetracked for now! I can get you contact info if you want.

Lizzie :)

Title: Re: Gamma Knife Revisited
Post by jeffhall on Sep 24^th, 2004, 3:12pm

I'll share my Gamma-Knife experience.

I had the procedure in December of 2003 by Dr. Reisner (Neuro-Surg) in Atlanta Georgia. I was referred to him by Dr. Maloone (Neuro) of "The Headache Center" in Marietta GA. I will provide contact information if requested. Both are excellent and concerned Doctors that are willing to learn and try new things.

Dr. Reisner had performed the procedure on one person before me. That patient was apparently "cured" within three weeks and never looked back. I spoke with him on one occassion, but he did not seem willing to discuss his condition with a stranger. I rather suspect he may not have been a Chronic...just my opinion.

Anyway. I experienced a definite improvement after about three weeks. Within a couple of months I thought I was cured. But gradually the beast began to return. By July I was full Chronic again. However, the attacks were/are much less frequent and last about half the time. (was about 45 minutes...now about 20 on average).

I am currently taking Neurontin (4800Mb) per day and have Cafergott and Excedrin to help me.

I guess my reults are mixed. The nature of this beast makes it so hard to definitively say exactly what worked/is working/will work tomorrow.