Surgical Therapy of Temporal Triggered Migraine Headache

BACKGROUND: The auriculotemporal and zygomaticotemporal nerves are the 2 primary trigger points in the temporal area of migraine headache. Different surgical approaches are described in literature, either open or endoscopic ones. METHODS: We described and delineated the currently adopted strategies to treat temporal trigger points in migraine headache. Furthermore, we reported our personal experience in the field. RESULTS: Regardless of the type of approach, outcomes observed were similar and ranged from 89% to 67% elimination / >50% reduction rates. All procedures are minimally invasive and only minor complications are reported, with an incidence ranging from 1% to 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Just like upper limb compressive neuropathies, migraine headache is believed to be caused by chronic compression of peripheral nerves (ie, the terminal branches of trigeminal nerve) caused by surrounding structures (eg, muscles, vessels, and fascial bands) the removal of which eventually results in improvement or elimination of migraine attacks. Particular attention should be paid to the close nerve/artery relationship often described in anatomical studies and clinical reports.