Dr. Eppley,
I really want to thank you for changing my life. I can not express my appreciation for what a difference you have made. I was in such pain every day and after spending 25 years in school it is quite disheartening not to be able to rely on your brain. I know that some people think that I was a little extreme to have a nerve decompression. But I have NO regrets about the procedure and I feel like it saved my life. Although I still have some pulsing, it is minor compared to the pain that I was experiencing prior to having the nerve decompression. I am extremely grateful for your help.
I also wanted to tell you that I am extremely impressed with you as a doctor. And I wish that more doctors were like you. You have always been responsive to my questions – even six months after having the surgery. You are a kind and empathetic person to deal with in person. And I love you are always up on the most recent research. It makes me have a tremendous amount of respect and confidence in your ability as a surgeon.
Beth E.
Columbus, IN
Comment:
Migraine surgery in the properly selected patient can be literally life changing. Almost all patients who undergo nerve decompression for migraines have a long history of both disabling symptoms and having received a wide array of migraine treatments. They are almost always on numerous medications with very incomplete headache symptom reduction. Many are so affected that it affects both their personal and work lives. If their migraines have a very specific focus in origin (supraorbital, temporal, or occipital) and respond positively to Botox injections, there is a very high likelihood that nerve decompression will be successful. A successful surgical result is one in which patients experience a very noticeable reduction in both frequency and duration of their migraines. A smaller number of patients will have a near complete cure of their migraines. Long-term studies show that after five years many of these results are maintained.
While one should not be cavalier about undergoing nerve decompression, it is a procedure that has very few side effects. The most significant side effect and risk of migraine surgery is that it may not always work or may reveal another nerve trigger after surgery that may require an additional procedure for further symptom reduction.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana