Implantation of a sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation device for chronic cluster headache

The procedure

In this procedure a small device (neurostimulator) is implanted into the cheek. This is done through a small cut inside the mouth, just above the gum, with the patient under general anaesthetic. When the neurostimulator is switched on it electrically stimulates a group of nerves called the sphenopalatine ganglion, located deep in the face on either side of the nose.

The person can switch on the neurostimulator when they have a cluster headache, by placing a handheld controller on the cheek above where it is implanted. To turn the neurostimulator off, they take the controller away from the cheek. The aim is to relieve pain and reduce the number of headache attacks.