Migraines are a complicated and oftentimes debilitating condition. It’s estimated that 45 million Americans suffer from these intense headaches, which are often accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to stimuli.
Researchers are continually searching for new and improved methods for addressing the condition, and a new study suggests that eyelid surgery may reduce chronic migraines.
The study, authored by a researcher at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, hypothesizes that cosmetic eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, could ease chronic migraine pain.
The study looked at a small sample of migraine patients who underwent eyelid surgery. During the trial, the surgeon made small incisions in the patient’s’ upper eyelids to deactivate trigger nerves. Almost all of the patients had a 50% improvement in the overall intensity and frequency of migraines.
It is important to note that the sample size was quite small and that there were no control groups. So while it is exciting to think that eyelid surgery has the potential to treat migraine symptoms, migraine sufferers should wait for additional studies before considering eyelid surgery solely for the purpose of migraine treatment.
Eyelid surgery is not the only cosmetic enhancement that has been explored as a possible treatment for migraines. BOTOX for migraines can be very effective as a preventative measure.
BOTOX is FDA-approved as a preventative migraine treatment, and its effectiveness has been well-documented by numerous studies. Chronic migraine patients who receive regular, specially placed BOTOX injections from their doctors experience an average of nine fewer headaches per month. This popular cosmetic treatment can be safely performed by a board certified facial plastic surgeon.
Researchers are constantly striving to discover new ways to reduce migraine symptoms. If you suffer from this condition, keep in close contact with your healthcare provider to learn if new treatments being brought to market might be suitable for you. In the hands of a qualified, experienced doctor, it is possible to reduce the pain and intensity of chronic migraines.