surgery does not cure migraine

The migraineone of the most disabling neurological disorders, continues increasing around the worldbut still surrounded by misinformation and questionable remedies. This is what experts warn about Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), who have insisted that the plastic surgery techniques Proposals to treat migraine lack scientific support and should not be considered a therapeutic option.

In a recent statement, the SEN recalls that “no” scientific institution in the world supports surgical techniques that “a small sector of plastic surgery proposes for migraines. This warning comes ten years after its first statement on the subject, given the increase in Spain in centers that offer these surgeries in both the public and private spheres.

The SEN Headache Study Group has reviewed all the available evidence and concludes that there is insufficient scientific support to justify these interventions. “The studies published in this regard not only present methodological deficiencies important, but today, there is no argument with biological plausibility that supports that surgery in migraine can have a therapeutic role,” the society points out.

Even if warns about advertising of surgeries that have not undergone animal testingsomething that, according to experts, should be mandatory before any trial in humans.

International guidelines on migraine treatment do not even mention these techniques, and European neurologists rejected these surgeries in a symposium held in Barcelona in 2023. For this reason, the SEN recommends that any patient always consult with your neurologist before considering a surgical procedure.

The global burden of migraine continues to grow

The SEN’s concern is reinforced by a recent international study published in Cell Reports Medicinewhich shows that Migraine cases have increased by almost 60% since 1990 and will continue to increase until 2050. Currently, there are more than 1.1 billion people affected in the world and the annual incidence has increased from 63 to 90 million cases. This increase is also reflected in the burden of years lived with disability, which will peak around 2029.

“These are alarming data. Despite the great impact they have, It is not recognized as a serious illness that causes great suffering and disability,” warns Dr. Jesús Porta-Etessam, president of the SEN. Migraine manifests itself throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, and intense sensitivity to light and sound.

It is especially disabling in women between 30 and 44 years olddue to Fhormonal, social and psychological actors. Estrogen fluctuations, the stress of balancing work and family, and disorders such as anxiety or depression, can aggravate the disease.

“This underscores the need for public health initiatives focused on personalized interventions, such as education, early diagnosis and health policies with a gender perspective“explains Dr. José Miguel Láinez, director of the Spanish Headache Foundation.

Although other disorders have decreased with socioeconomic development, Migraine and tension-type headaches continue to increasewhich reinforces the importance of specific and continued care for the most affected groups.

No cure at the moment

Migraine has no cure at the moment, but there are treatments based on scientific evidence that can significantly improve quality of life. Plastic surgery is not one of them. “No patient with migraine is recommended to undergo surgery for this disease, except in the context of a research authorized by a Research Ethics Committee (CEIM) accredited by the Health Department of its autonomous community,” the Society emphasizes.

Given the increase in cases and the social impact of this disease, the SEN and other experts call for prudence, truthful information and consultation with neurologists before opting for experimental interventions. Science continues to advance and new, safer and more effective therapies are on the way.