Hypothalamic stimulation for intractable cluster headache: Long-term experience

The authors report long-term results of continuous hypothalamic stimulation in 16 chronic drug- refractory patients with cluster headache (CH). At a mean follow-up of 23 months, 13 patients are persistently pain-free or almost pain-free, and the other 3 are improved. There are no persistent side effects. Hypothalamic stimulation is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated alternative to surgery for chronic patients with drug- refractory CH.