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. 2011 Dec;50(6):507-11.
doi: 10.3340/jkns.2011.50.6.507. Epub 2011 Dec 31.

The effect of radiofrequency neurotomy of lower cervical medial branches on cervicogenic headache

Seung Won Park  1 , Yong Sook Park, Taek Kyun Nam, Tack-Geun Cho
Affiliations

The effect of radiofrequency neurotomy of lower cervical medial branches on cervicogenic headache

Seung Won Park et al. J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2011 Dec.

Abstract

Objective: Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is known to be mainly related with upper cervical problems. In this study, the effect of radiofrequency neurotomy (RFN) for lower cervical (C4-7) medial branches on CGH was evaluated.

Methods: Eleven patients with neck pain and headache, who were treated with lower cervical RFN due to supposed lower cervical zygapophysial joint pain without symptomatic intervertebral disc problem or stenosis, were enrolled in this study. CGH was diagnosed according to the diagnostic criteria of the cervicogenic headache international study group. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score and degree of VAS improvement (VASi) (%) were checked for evaluation of the effect of lower cervical RFN on CGH.

Results: The VAS score at 6 months after RFN was 2.7±1.3, which were significantly decreased comparing to the VAS score before RFN, 8.1±1.1 (p<0.001). The VASi at 6 months after RFN was 63.8±17.1%. There was no serious complication.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that lower cervical disorders can play a role in the genesis of headache in addition to the upper cervical disorders or independently.

Keywords: Cervicogenic headache; Medial branch; Neurotomy; Radiofrequency.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Fluoroscopic images of cervical spine during radiofrequency facet rhizotomy at right C4-7 levels.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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