Migraines are debilitating events that interfere with daily life, work, relationships, and mental health. If you’ve tried medications, dietary changes, and even alternative therapies with little relief, you may be wondering if there’s anything else that can help.
A promising option offered by Ioannis Skaribas, MD, DABA, FASA, of Expert Pain in Houston, Texas, is the Reed Procedure®, also known as the Migraine Procedure.
The Reed Procedure is a specialized type of occipital nerve stimulation that promises great results when it comes to easing migraine episodes.
Read on to learn more and discover if it can help alleviate your migraines.
Dr. Ken Reed developed the Reed Procedure specifically for patients who suffer from chronic, treatment-resistant migraines. The procedure involves implanting a small device near the base of the skull that delivers mild electrical impulses to the occipital nerves.
These nerves play a key role in head and facial pain. The impulses delivered by the device interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, significantly reducing the frequency, severity, and duration of migraines.
The Reed Procedure is typically recommended for patients who:
A consultation with a pain management specialist, such as Dr. Skaribas, is required to determine eligibility. Before moving forward, he often asks patients to undergo a trial stimulation to see how well the therapy works for them.
The Reed Procedure usually begins with a trial stage during which Dr. Skaribas implants a temporary stimulator under the skin. You wear it for three to seven days.
If you report significant improvement in migraine symptoms, you may proceed to the next step of permanent implantation.
The doctor then implants a small generator (similar to a pacemaker), also placing small leads to stimulate the occipital nerves long-term.
This outpatient procedure is minimally invasive, and most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
The Reed Procedure can result in:
The Reed Procedure may not “cure” migraines in every case, but it offers substantial and lasting relief when other options haven’t worked.
At Expert Pain, we know chronic migraines can be overwhelming. If you’ve tried everything and are still searching for relief, the Reed Procedure could be a life-changing solution.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment, and we'll review your options to help you achieve relief from chronic migraines.
