A New Minimally Invasive Technique for Cauterizing the Maxillary Artery and Its Application in the Treatment of Cluster Headache

PurposeTo describe a new, relatively atraumatic method of cauterizing the maxillary artery and its effectiveness in treating cluster headache.Materials and MethodsFive patients with cluster headache were treated with arterial ligation of certain terminal branches of the external carotid artery. A new, atraumatic method of cauterizing the maxillary artery is described.ResultsThe success rate and postoperative morbidity are presented. In four out of five patients the cluster attacks ceased immediately following surgery.ConclusionA new intraoral technique for maxillary artery cauterization and the effectiveness of cauterization of the terminal branches of the external carotid artery in the treatment of cluster headache are described. Although the sample is small, the results are encouraging, and may offer permanent relief of cluster headache pain.