Rechargeable occipital nerve stimulator systems: A patient satisfaction study

Abstract

Introduction. Cluster headache is a disabling severe headache syndrome, with a prevalence of 0.12%. Occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is a recognized treatment for medically intractable cluster headache, composed of two electrodes in contact with the greater occipital nerves and connected to an Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG). The battery can be non-rechargeable or rechargeable, which has a longer total lifespan. This is, to our knowledge, the largest patient survey to examine the level of satisfaction with rechargeable batteries. Methodology. Using the ONS database at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London we identified 100 patients who have had rechargeable systems implanted. We used a patient satisfaction questionnaire, developed with some questions adapted from McAuley et al. regarding rechargeable IPGs for spinal cord stimulation. Results. Ninety-two out of the 100 patients consented to participate. Of them, 68 patients (74%) found recharging the battery convenient and 81 (88%) found that the amount of inconvenience associated with recharging worth the benefit they receive from the stimulation. Of 48 patients who had a non-rechargeable battery before the current rechargeable one, 37 (84%) stated preferring the current rechargeable. Discussion. The results indicate a positive general outcome of ONS with rechargeable battery. We believe that this survey gives a reliable estimation of the outcome considering the large size of the sample and the very high rate of patients’ compliance to answer our questionnaire. Conclusions. These data suggest that ONS with rechargeable IPG may be considered the system of choice for patients undergoing ONS implant.