For patients suffering from particularly severe chronic migraine, chronic cluster headache, and other severe chronic pain, few treatment options often remain. Standard therapies no longer demonstrate satisfactory and lasting effectiveness.

Recently, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) into focus as a treatment option. Peripheral nerve stimulation is a specific application of neuromodulation. Thanks to advances in microelectronics, it is now possible to implant a pacemaker-like device under the skin, enabling continuous neuromodulation. The device is about the size of a matchbox. The neurostimulator is implanted in cooperation with the neurosurgical departments of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein. The indication, pre- and post-operative care, programming, and monitoring of progress and success are carried out by experts from the Kiel Pain Clinic. Neuromodulation is a procedure currently being considered for patients with severe pain conditions that cannot be effectively treated with other methods.

Prof. Dr. Hartmut Göbel talks to Uwe Huse, who was treated with neuromodulation severe chronic cluster headaches

Further information on treatment and reprogramming

Neurostimulation device and ONS electrodes
ONS electrodes are implanted
Insertion of the connecting cables to the stimulator
Electrodes and cables are connected
Stimulator connection
Checking the system during the operation
Closure of the skin accesses
Checking the electrode position after the ONS operation
Fine adjustment of the stimulation in the Kiel pain clinic
Programming of the 16 electrodes in the Kiel pain clinic