Nociception specific supraorbital nerve stimulation may prevent cluster headache attacks: Serendipity in a blink reflex study. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Haane, Danielle YP; Koehler, Peter J
• Is Part Of: Cephalalgia. Volume 34:Number 11(2014)
• Page Start: 920
• Page End: 926
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: Cluster headache -- supraorbital nerve stimulation -- peripheral nerve stimulation -- neurostimulation -- blink reflex; Headache -- Periodicals; 616.8491
• DOI: 10.1177/0333102414526055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0333-1024

Abstract

Background: In cluster headache, neuromodulation is offered when patients are refractory to pharmacological prophylaxis. Non-invasive peripheral neuromodulatory approaches are of interest. We will focus on these and particularly on nociception specific, transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation. Methods: In a study using the nociception specific blink reflex, we made a serendipitous discovery, notably the potential prophylactic effect of bilateral, time contingent, nociception specific, transcutaneous stimulation of the supraorbital nerve. Results: We report on a case series of seven cluster headache patients, in whom attacks seemed to disappear during repeated stimulation of the supraorbital nerves. Three patients stopped experiencing attacks since study participation. Conclusions: Bilateral, time contingent, nociception specific, transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation may have a prophylactic effect in episodic and chronic cluster headache. Given its limited side effects and its non-invasive nature, further studies to investigate this potential peripheral neuromodulatory approach for both episodic and chronic cluster headache are warranted.