title: Microvascular decompression of the pterygopalatine ganglion in patients with refractory cluster headache.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cluster headache is an invalidating form of headache. Although cluster headache can be managed pharmacologically, some patients require surgical treatment with varying results. Microvascular decompression of the pterygopalatine ganglion could be an alternative to traditional surgical management in patients with cluster headache.
  
  
  METHODS
  Microvascular decompression of the pterygopalatine ganglion was performed in three patients with refractory cluster headache. The pterygopalatine artery was ligated and a temporal muscle graft was placed between the artery and the ganglion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No differences were found between the presurgical period and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively with respect to attack duration and frequency, visual analogue scale score during attacks and in remission periods, duration of remissions, and quality of life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These preliminary data suggest that microvascular decompression of the pterygopalatine ganglion does not provide pain reduction or improvement of quality of life in patients with refractory cluster headache.
authors.affiliation: University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands. oomenkarin@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Kpq
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Oomen
authors.forename: Ajm van
authors.initials: Av
authors.lastname: Wijck
authors.forename: Gj
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hordijk
authors.forename: Ja de
authors.initials: Jd
authors.lastname: Ru
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D061145:Microvascular Decompression Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*