Increasing Collaboration between Headache Medicine and Plastic Surgery in the Surgical Management of Chronic Headache

INTRODUCTION: Chronic headache is one of the most disabling conditions afflicting humankind. The management of chronic headaches has, to date, been only partially successful. The goal of this paper is to highlight the importance of collaboration between surgeons and headache physicians in treating this condition. METHODS: We present a narrative review of migraine pathophysiology, its medical and surgical treatment options, and the important role of collaboration between headache physicians and surgeons. RESULTS: Migraine headaches can be treated with both medication-based regimens and surgery. Novel medications such monoclonal antibodies directed at the CGRP molecule or its receptor have recently been FDA approved as an effective treatment modality in chronic migraines. However, these medications are associated with a high cost, and there is a paucity in data regarding effectiveness compared to other treatment modalities. The pathophysiology of headache likely exists along a spectrum with peripheral — extracranial and meningeal — factors at one end and central — brain — factors at the other, with anatomic and physiologic connections between both ends. Recent evidence has clearly shown that surgical decompression of extracranial nerves improves headache outcomes. However, appropriate patient selection and preoperative diagnosis are of paramount importance to achieve excellent outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons and headache physicians who are interested in providing treatment for patients with chronic headache should strive to form a close collaboration with each other in order to provide the optimal plan for migraine/headache patients.