Implanted Auriculotemporal Nerve Stimulator for the Treatment of Refractory Chronic Migraine

Objective.— To report a case of improved pain control and function in a patient with chronic migraine after treatment with auriculotemporal nerve stimulation. Methods.— The patient is a 52‐year‐old woman with refractory pain in the bilateral temporal distribution and marked phonophobia as a result of chronic migraine. Results.— After a successful trial period, the patient underwent implantation of bilateral peripheral nerve stimulators targeting the auriculotemporal nerves. At 16 months of follow up, her average pain intensity declined from 8‐9/10 on the numeric rating scale to 5/10. Her function improved as assessed by the Migraine Disability Assessment, from total disability (grade IV) to mild disability (grade II). Her phonophobia became far less debilitating. Conclusion.— Auriculotemporal nerve stimulation may be useful tool in the treatment of refractory pain in the temporal distribution due to chronic migraine.