For the first in Asia, the neurosurgical team at Hyderabad’s AIG Hospitals successfully executed a high cervical spinal cord stimulator implantation on a female patient from Mauritius to treat her chronic headache.

The patient is a 23-year-old female from Mauritius, who suffered from medically refractory devitalizing chronic migraines with autonomic symptoms. She had tried all available medical treatments. However, she still experienced severe pain before the surgery. She underwent the procedure on 19 April 2024. The procedure was led by Chronic Pain and Neuromodulation Specialist Dr. Siddharth Chavaali and Dr. Subodh Raju, Director of Neurosurgery.

Dr. Subodh Raju said that the neurostimulator implant procedure involves placing a device that delivers mild electrical impulses to targeted nerves, effectively interrupting pain signals and providing relief to patients who are suffering from chronic headaches. Their success with this operation opens new doors for patients suffering from chronic pain. The doctor also highlighted the major role of the high cervical area in the functions of the body.

Dr. Subodh Raju also said that the stimulator would aid in managing the patient's migraine productively and they are hopeful that it would significantly enhance her quality of life. He also said that indeed, the patient has already reported significant improvement in her quality of life, which is a testament to the potential of neuromodulation in treating chronic pain conditions.

Dr. Siddharth Chavaali said that this innovative approach offers new possibilities for patients to reclaim their lives from chronic pain conditions. He also stated that with this groundbreaking achievement, patients suffering from chronic headaches have newfound hope for a better quality of life, free from the burden of persistent pain.

Dr. D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals said that chronic pain can notably affect a patient's life, sometimes endlessly. This breakthrough brings hope to all those experiencing any form of chronic pain.

According to Healthline, Refractory migraine is a type of migraine that is resistant to multiple types of treatments. This condition is also called intractable migraine. The symptoms of refractory chronic migraines include stabbing, throbbing, or intense pain on either side or one side or both sides of the head, sensitivity to light, smell, and noise, nausea, vomiting, and a visual or sensory disturbance.

Some of the possible treatments include intravenous pain relievers, corticosteroids, intranasal drugs, and magnesium.

 (Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Lavanya Beeraboina/MSM)