Your Recovery after Migraine Surgery:

Surgery can take between 1 and 5 hours depending on the number of trigger sites. Most patients can go home the same day or stay in the hospital overnight. Small drains are removed 1 to 4 days after the operation. Some discomfort is normal after surgery and patients may get a migraine; however, there is usually not much pain at the surgical site. When you are discharged, you will be given prescriptions for medication that will keep you more comfortable. You may shower the next day. Most patients return to work after 1 or 2 weeks, but plan on limiting physical activity,and restrict exercise for at least 3 weeks.

Your first follow-up visit will be 5 to 7 days after surgery. If you don't not stay in the hospital overnight, we usually like to see you in clinic the day after surgery. During your follow-up visits, Dr Amirlak will review incision site, your ability to engage in activities of daily living, and any concerns that you may have. Further follow-up is scheduled for approximately 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. For out of town patients, the schedule can be adjusted.

Generally, there are minimal side effects of the surgery. These may include some transitory numbness in the back of the head and temple areas which generally lasts for a few weeks. Soreness in the back of the neck usually improves within a week. Although not the goal of this surgery, patients undergoing surgery in the frontal area may notice a rejuvenated appearance of the forehead, with fewer wrinkles.

It is important to remember that you may still have some headaches after surgery, but they should be much less frequent and nowhere near as intense as the migraines you had before.