title: A new minimally invasive technique for cauterizing the maxillary artery and its application in the treatment of cluster headache.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a new, relatively atraumatic method of cauterizing the maxillary artery and its effectiveness in treating cluster headache.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five patients with cluster headache were treated with arterial ligation of certain terminal branches of the external carotid artery. A new, atraumatic method of cauterizing the maxillary artery is described.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The success rate and postoperative morbidity are presented. In four out of five patients the cluster attacks ceased immediately following surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A new intraoral technique for maxillary artery cauterization and the effectiveness of cauterization of the terminal branches of the external carotid artery in the treatment of cluster headache are described. Although the sample is small, the results are encouraging, and may offer permanent relief of cluster headache pain.
authors.affiliation: The Headache Clinic, Johannesburg, South Africa. drshevel@headclin.com
authors.forename: Elliot
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Shevel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002342:Carotid Artery, External / Q000601:surgery; D002425:Cautery / Q000379:methods*; D003027:Cluster Headache / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008438:Maxillary Artery / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged