Is Migraine Surgery a Curative Treatment?
Jul 02, 2025
Migraines are common and debilitating enough that the U.S. has dedicated the entire month of June to migraine awareness. However, if you have chronic migraines, you know they can impact your life any month of the year.
Fortunately, there are numerous migraine treatments available, including a surgical procedure that’s known for reducing migraine frequency and intensity.
Board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Blumenauer, at Oceana Aesthetics in Stuart, Florida, offers this innovative procedure for individuals who aren’t finding relief from traditional migraine therapies.
Learn more about the surgery, how it works to manage migraines, and who might benefit.
Migraine surgery, also known as nerve decompression surgery, is a procedure designed to relieve pressure on specific nerves that are thought to trigger migraine attacks.
The most common target areas:
The idea behind the procedure is straightforward: if migraines are triggered by nerve irritation or compression by muscles, scar tissue, or blood vessels, then relieving that pressure might reduce or eliminate attacks.
According to several studies and patient reports, migraine surgery can be highly effective for a subset of patients. Results have shown:
However, results can vary. The surgery tends to work best in patients with clearly identifiable trigger points, meaning their migraines consistently begin in the same area of the head or neck.
Before recommending migraine surgery, Dr. Blumenauer performs a thorough evaluation, sometimes including Botox trials to pinpoint trigger areas.
While some patients do experience what they describe as a “cure” (a total and permanent resolution of migraines), we use the term “curative” cautiously.
Migraine headaches are a complex neurological disorder that is influenced by various genetic and environmental factors. Migraine nerve decompression surgery addresses only the mechanical triggers, not the underlying brain chemistry.
Some patients experience significantly fewer or much less intense migraine symptoms after surgery, with many experiencing relief for months to years. However, because migraine symptoms may return after the procedure, we can’t label it as curative.
That said, the surgery offers a meaningful reprieve from symptoms for most patients, making it a powerful tool in managing and sometimes eliminating migraine disorder.
Dr. Blumenauer may recommend migraine nerve decompression surgery if you haven’t responded adequately to conservative therapies, especially if your migraines originate from consistent trigger points (such as the back of the head, forehead, or temple).
While not a guaranteed cure, migraine surgery represents hope, especially for those who feel they've tried everything else.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Blumenauer at Oceana Aesthetics today. Call the office or request an appointment online.