Does Occipital Nerve Stimulation Alter Pain Response as Measured by Quantitative Sensory Testing in Patients With Chronic Migraine or Cluster Headache
The primary aim of this study is to assess the reversibility of a range of psychophysical markers of pain processing in patients with chronic migraine or cluster headache before and after ONS insertion and comparing to patients having a general anaesthetic (GA) for a non-painful aetiology at Barts Health NHS Trust. We will also compare with healthy volunteers not undergoing surgery. To establish whether pain perception alters in patients with chronic migraine/cluster headache having ONS using questionnaires and compare to patients having a general anaesthetic for a non- painful procedure D \& C at Barts Health NHS Trust. Are pain markers (Glutamate, TGF-B1) altered with ONS?
• Subject satisfies standard criteria in the study centre for ONS implantation and the NICE 452 criteria for intractable chronic migraine or cluster headache.
• Patients who have given their written informed consent.
• Patient is able and willing to comply with study procedures and follow up schedule.
• Participants will need a good understanding of the English Language and hence. This is a requirement not just for this research but also for the success of the interventions and the full understanding of QST.
• Patients undergoing surgery (non-painful complaint) 'dilatation and curettage' (D\&C).