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Migraine Surgery Overview

Doctor Alizadeh Video

Migraine Surgery Quick Facts

Migraine surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the frequency, intensity, and
duration of chronic migraines. It involves targeting specific trigger points or nerve
compression associated with headaches to alleviate the underlying causes.

  • Average Cost: ​​Surgeon's Fee starts at $10,000, and may vary depending on the specific procedure and individual circumstances. Fee does not include surgery center fees or anesthesia fees. Call for details.
  • Pain Level: Mild to moderate discomfort during recovery, which can be managed with pain medication under the care of pain specialist.
  • Anesthesia Options: General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the specific procedure.
  • Recovery Period: Recovery time can vary depending on the type of migraine surgery performed. It may range from a few days to a few months.
  • Results Length: The results of migraine surgery can vary from individual to individual. Some patients experience a reduction in the frequency and severity of migraines, while others may not achieve the desired outcome. It is important to have realistic expectations and discuss potential outcomes with a healthcare professional.

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Dr. Alizadeh Castle Connolly Feature

Dr. Alizadeh's Media Spotlight and Global Patient Base

Dr. Alizadeh is an expert in his field and is regularly featured in the press, such as CNN, CBS 60 Minutes, NBC TODAY Show, Discovery Health, Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Among his many patients, Dr. Alizadeh includes world-class politicians, Oscar-winning actors, and Grammy-winning musicians. Patients seek Dr. Alizadeh from all over the world for his specialty in Migraine Surgery. 

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EXPERT REASSURANCE

“People hear ‘surgery’ and ‘anesthesia’ and get scared,” Dr. Alizadeh. “The reality is, migraine surgeries can be as simple as most outpatient surgeries — but with outcomes as significant as we saw with Lynne. So, the most important question for patients in pain to ask is, ‘Is my treatment enough? Am I getting the result I need?’” 

With this innovative surgery, Dr. Alizadeh offers the potential for a cure for migraine headaches, with a 60% complete success rate of treated patients. Read more about Dr. Alizadeh's surgery in this peer-reviewed article:

Why Choose Dr. Alizadeh For Migraine Surgery?

With unparalleled expertise, Dr. Alizadeh has shared his innovative techniques with surgeons across more than 25 countries worldwide. He has also trained over 100 plastic surgeons and delivered over 100 specialized lectures. Furthermore, he has held vital roles as the oral examiner for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the principal investigator in FDA clinical trials, with a specific focus on devices utilized in surgical and non-surgical procedures. Dr. Alizadeh's extensive research, reflected in numerous peer-reviewed articles, has significantly advanced his field. His dedication extends to providing complimentary healthcare through his non-profit initiative, Mission: Restore.

Dr. Alizadeh in the operating room.

Leading Expert in Migraine Surgery in NYC

For patients suffering from persistent migraine headaches, Dr. Alizadeh has had the most extensive experience in the New York Metropolitan area. As the co-founder and director of the Westchester headache specialists, he leads a team of multidisciplinary physicians who have garnered a reputation in NYC for helping qualified patients achieve significant relief from chronic headaches. Their meticulous approach, along with Dr. Alizadeh’s core practice values, ensure patients of both a smooth experience and the best possible outcome. Dr. Alizadeh has chaired an interdisciplinary conference on chronic headaches with colleagues since 2017 and has presented his results on novel techniques to identify the nerves responsible for chronic pain. He has appeared as the expert migraine surgeon on multiple media outlets including CBS, ABS, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN. He has been following his patients and now has patients who have been pain-free for over 10 years since his operation. 

Dr. Alizadeh’s achievements include training over 100 plastic surgeons, serving as the oral examiner for the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and an impressive record of peer-reviewed articles and over 100 international lectures. As the primary clinical trial investigator for the FDA, he has propelled advancements in medical devices that are utilized in a multitude of surgical and non-surgical treatments. Beyond his work as Professor of Clinical Surgery at New York Medical College, he has taught his surgical methods to hundreds of surgeons in dozens of countries. What makes him more proud than anything is his philanthropic work through Mission: Restore, offering free healthcare to patients in need. 

Migraine Patient Testimonial Pre-Op & Post-Op

Patient discuss their Pre-Op issues with Migraines.

Post-Op Happiness after a Migraine Surgery.

Patient Testimonial

I’ve had a long history of migraines and occipital neuralgia. I tried every med and method out there but nothing helped. I even had two surgeries
(different doctors while I lived in Europe) a few years ago to address the nerves. While the surgeries did help, I still had some issues.

I was in the same predicament — nothing was helping the pain. Then, I called up Dr. Alizadeh. He immediately understood what the issue was
and said he could help. So, we scheduled a surgery to address those remaining areas. 

As I’m writing this, it has been a few weeks since the surgery and I’m happy to say that the nerve pain was gone almost immediately. 
So yeah, I definitely recommend Dr. Alizadeh. Also, I gotta give a shout out to the staff. So nice.

N.S.

Reclaiming Life After Migraines A Patient Success Story

Lynne Schicker was tired of breaking plans and promises because of her chronic migraines. 

Seized with nausea and throbbing pain at 2 a.m., she knew with a sinking heart that “the whole day would go down the toilet.” The 68-year-old from Rochester had suffered excruciating headaches nearly every day since she was 18 years old. 

Then Dr. Alizadeh changed her life.

Read More

Long-Term Relief for Chronic Migraine Headaches in New York

Dr. Alizadeh was the first surgeon to see migraine patients within an interdisciplinary center in the New York Metropolitan area dedicated to finding a cure for chronic headaches utilizing medical and surgical techniques. Having cared for thousands of patients and performed hundreds of surgeries for migraines in over a decade, Dr. Alizadeh and his colleagues offer patients a wide range of traditional and progressive treatment options and, for a carefully selected patient population, potentially curative surgery.

“I would shout from the rooftops that anyone with chronic migraines, who has tried everything, should know about and look into this surgery. None of my doctors had ever heard of it; but I encourage everyone in my support groups to connect with Dr. Alizadeh. I can resume my life and not live in fear of when the next migraine is going to hit.” – Lynne S.

Schedule your consultation to receive one of the best migraine surgeries NYC has to offer. 

Dr. Alizadeh speaking on CNN.

Dr. Alizadeh featured on CNN Regarding Migraine Surgery

Dr. Alizadeh talking with other medical professionals.

Curing Headache Pain

What Is The Cause Of Migraines?

While researchers have yet to identify an exact cause for migraines, the symptoms are believed to be associated with abnormal activity in the brain that results in inflammation of the blood vessels or abnormal constriction of the nerves as they emerge from the skull to provide sensory input. Dr. Alizadeh and his colleagues have identified numerous physical causes for compression around the nerves including muscle anatomy, fibrous scars, tortuous blood vessels, soft tissue tumors, and bony prominence.

Those most susceptible to migraines tend to be women, people with a family history of migraines, and those between the ages of 15 and 55. Some of the most common triggers are lack of sleep, skipped meals, hormonal fluctuations, weather changes, alcohol, and certain foods. There is also a strong correlation with muscular triggers especially in the neck or forehead that can drive the pain. Similarly, there may a central focus of pain which may be related to nasal pathology such as a deviated septum or turbinate hypertrophy.

Migraine surgery addresses a neurological disorder associated with various common symptoms of chronic headaches, including recurring moderate to intense headaches, nausea and vomiting, weakness, loss of vision, and sensitivity to light or sound. A chronic medical condition, migraines often cause throbbing or pulsing on the side of the head. The pain can last for a duration of a few hours or days at a time.

Learn More about Migraine Surgery

Migraine surgery was introduced by the pioneering work of Dr. Bahman Guyuron in Cleveland, Ohio who was able to connect the symptoms of the pain to a compressive pathology of the nerves that are responsible for sensory stimuli in the brain. Chronic compression of the nerves by muscle, fibrous bands, vessels, or even scar can lead to severe unrelenting pain. Dr. Alizadeh had the opportunity to visit and learn from the work of Dr. Guyuron in 2010 and has been performing this surgery with an interdisciplinary team of physicians since then.

 Migraines that occur with any regularity can upend a person's life, adversely affecting employment, mental health, and interpersonal relationships. Dr. Alizadeh has accumulated significant experience seeing thousands of migraine patients, with hundreds of successful operations, and has been able to show significant pain relief and improvement of daily living in carefully selected patients.

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The Stress-Migraine Cycle: How to Identify & Stop It

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In Their Own Words: New York Plastic Surgeon Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh on Migraines

Patients with Chronic Headaches Benefit from Interdisciplinary Care at Westchester Medical Center

Westchester Medical Center logo - Curing Headache Pain

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Patient Testimonials

Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh

Twelve Years Post Migraine Surgery

Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh

Three Months Post Migraine Surgery

Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh

Six Months Post Migraine Surgery - Nicole

Migraine Surgery In New York Can Bring Long-term Relief From Chronic Headaches

Migraine surgery is based on the belief that these specific headaches are caused by compressed peripheral sensory nerves that run along the outer skull. Surgery aims to decompress these nerves and release the specific headache trigger points, without affecting the skull bones or brain. Pressure points can occur anywhere on the head and neck, but common trigger sites include the forehead, temples, around the eyes, inside the nose, and the back of the head.

The techniques used are similar to those applied in facial plastic surgery treatments. Surgery should be considered an option only after a patient has exhausted all other non-invasive, traditional treatment modalities. Migraine surgery is designed as a one-time procedure and is believed to have the benefit of reducing the need for medication, as well as reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of headaches. It can even completely prevent them from occurring in some cases.

Social Media

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Cure for Migraines in NY

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Hacks for Migraines?

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Exploring Nerve Pathways for Chronic Migraine Relief

Hear From Our Patients

When I met with Dr. Alizadeh, I couldn’t have been more impressed. He was confident and super intelligent. He explained the surgery. What it entailed, what to expect, and what recovery would be. After suffering from migraines for some 20+ years, I was on board and ready to go. 

The day of surgery I was nervous. When the Dr. met with me that morning, he was able to calm my nerves and put me at ease. The surgery went well, and he also found some unexpected anomalies. He was able to fix it all and I have to say that today I am 95% better than before the surgery. If you suffer from migraines, you know that is such a huge number! I want to thank everyone who was involved in making my surgery happen and thank you, Dr. Alizadeh, for improving my life more than I could ever imagine. This surgery was the best thing I have ever done aside from marrying my husband and having my children. I know that might sound a little crazy, but being in pain 75% of the month is nothing to joke about and feeling happy and healthy is everything. Love love love to all of you at Dr Alizadeh’s office.

S.T.

Migraine Surgery – Patient History And Selection Criteria

Migraine surgery isn’t a solution for everyone, and we cannot guarantee that all patients will have favorable results from the procedure. Dr. Alizadeh uses strict selection criteria to determine which patients would benefit from, and be optimal candidates for, migraine surgery.

During your consultation, you will be asked the following questions, among others:

  • How long have you been experiencing migraines?
  • How often do they occur, and how long do they last?
  • How severe are your headaches?
  • In what ways do your headaches interfere with your life?
  • Have you identified locations of specific headache triggers?
  • How do you respond to medications?
  • Have your migraines decreased with BOTOX® injections?

Based on your answers to these questions, Dr. Alizadeh will help you determine the appropriate course of action. If he believes you are a candidate for migraine surgery, he will explain in detail the procedure, what to expect from recovery, and any potential risks.

Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh

Dr. Kaveh Alizadeh

A board-certified plastic surgeon in Long Island, devoted to serving patients, training the next generation of young surgeons, and international medicine.

Learn More

Schedule A Consultation

Contact Dr. Alizadeh today to schedule your migraine surgery consultation and find a solution to your chronic headaches: Request your appointment online, or phone 212.348.0100 (Manhattan) / 516.439.5010 (Long Island).

What is the cost of migraine surgery with Dr. Alizadeh?

Our migraine treatment in NYC is uniquely customized for each patient. The cost varies based on your needs and what the surgical plan entails specifically for you. Dr. Alizadeh will consult with you to understand your migraine symptoms and design a custom procedure to address the root cause of your migraines. The surgeon's fee for migraine surgery starts at $10,000, not including surgery center or anesthesia fees. Dr. Alizadeh will include the exact cost for you as a part of your surgical plan. 

Migraine Surgery FAQ

Is migraine surgery covered by insurance?

It depends on the specific type of surgery and the reason it is being performed. In general, insurance companies may cover surgical procedures for the treatment of migraines if they are deemed medically necessary. However, this can vary depending on the individual's insurance policy and the specific circumstances of their case. Dr. Alizadeh can also provide more information about whether your particular surgery is likely to be covered by insurance.

What are the risks and side effects of migraine surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential side effects associated with migraine surgery, such as infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, etc. In addition to the risks and complications associated with surgery in general, there are also specific risks and potential side effects associated with the different types of migraine surgery. For example, some common side effects of nerve decompression surgery, which involves the release of pressure on the nerves in the head and neck, can include numbness, weakness, or tingling in the treated area.

What type of insurance covers migraine surgery?

Most insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of migraine surgery. That said, every plan is different. Patients should talk to their providers to find out the details of their plan.

How long does migraine surgery take?

Migraine surgery can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours to complete. This mostly depends on the number of ‘trigger sites’ that need to be targeted. Patients are usually able to go home on the same day of the procedure.

Are migraines considered a disability?

The Social Security Administration does not recognize migraines as a disability. However, they do recognize that it is often part of a larger condition that can be more troubling and debilitating.

Is migraine surgery painful?

Following migraine surgery, it is normal for patients to experience some discomfort or even get a migraine. However, there usually isn’t much pain around the treatment sites. Upon discharge, patients will be given prescriptions for pain-reducing medications to keep them comfortable throughout the recovery process.

How long after surgery can I expect relief?

Following a migraine surgery, it may take as long as four months for patients to experience full relief. That said, many patients feel better almost immediately. They can get back to work after about a week of rest.

Does surgery permanently stop migraines?

Yes. Migraine surgery is designed to decompress the nerve responsible for triggering migraines. As such, patients will be migraine-free going forward.

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