Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Many patients who suffer from intractable headaches that have not responded to medical therapy, have a significant occipital nerve component which contributes to their pain. Peripheral nerve stimulation to the occipital nerve utilizes a small lead(s) that is placed just beneath the skin to stimulate the occipital nerve and replace the pain with a "tingling" feeling. The device is completely implanted under the skin and the patient has control with a remote device. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and usually does not require hospitalization.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation involves implanting small electrical leads across the area of the spinal cord to deliver low voltage electrical stimulation that block pain signals from being perceived by the patient. Pain-stopping nerve fibers are activated by the stimulation and replace the pain in the area with a pleasant tingling sensation.
