Feasibility of simultaneous vagal nerve and deep brain stimulation in chronic cluster headache: case report and considerations

摘要: In pathologies, such as refractory epilepsy, major depression and cluster headache, there could be indication to both vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) deep brain (DBS). particular, Mauskop (Cephalalgia 25:82-96, 2005) reported the efficacy safety of VNS in chronic headache. At our Institute, we perform posterior hypothalamic DBS for clinical condition since 2000 results appear encouraging. Here, report case a patient with headache (CCH) who had initially improved after DBS, whose effect subsequently diminished head trauma; performed same patient, thus obtaining new 50% reduction frequency pain bouts. Such benefit absence any side effects (possibly due co-existence two systems) may suggest possibility second therapeutical chance not only CCH but also other above-mentioned severely disabling pathological conditions.