The Reed Procedure® Trial Stimulator
The Reed Procedure®: A Potentially Permanent Migraine and Headache Treatment
At Reed Migraine Centers, we understand the importance of confidence in your treatment plan. That’s why we offer a unique opportunity to try the neurostimulator device used in the Reed Procedure® before committing to a permanent implant. This trial helps determine if the device effectively relieves your pain.
How the Trial Works
- Temporary Unit Placement: During the trial procedure, a temporary neurostimulator is placed just beneath the skin, similar to an IV tube.
- Trial Period: You’ll wear the temporary unit for 3 days while doing your daily routine. This allows you to assess whether it significantly reduces your headaches.
- Dramatic Results: Most patients experience noticeable relief during the trial period, providing a high level of confidence in the procedure’s effectiveness.
Next Steps After the Trial
- If Successful: Over 80% of patients experience significant headache relief during the trial. These patients can then proceed with the permanent stimulator implantation.
- If Unsatisfactory: If the trial does not provide the desired results, you have the option to discontinue treatment without moving forward with the permanent stimulator.
We are highly confident in the effectiveness of the permanent stimulator for patients who achieve success during the trial phase. This approach ensures that you can make an informed decision about your treatment with peace of mind.
Patient with Reed Procedure® trial stimulator
Patient with Reed Procedure® permanent stimulator
FAQ
How is the trial procedure different from the permanent procedure?
The Trial Procedure and the Permanent Procedure for the Reed Procedure® differ primarily in purpose, process, and duration. Here’s a detailed comparison:
Trial Procedure
Purpose:
A temporary evaluation to determine if neurostimulation effectively alleviates your headaches.
Allows patients to “test drive” the treatment before committing to a permanent implant.
Process:
Leads are temporarily placed under the skin along the occipital and supraorbital nerves.
The leads are connected to an external neurostimulator device worn outside the body.
The trial period lasts about 3–5 days.
Leads are removed after the trial, regardless of whether it is successful.
Reversibility:
Completely reversible since no components are implanted.
Location:
Available at any of the Reed Migraine Centers.
Permanent Procedure
Purpose:
A long-term solution for managing severe, chronic migraines after a successful trial procedure.
Process:
Leads are permanently implanted beneath the skin along the occipital and supraorbital nerves.
A small battery-powered pulse generator device is permanently implanted under the skin, typically on the left side of the chest.
The procedure is minimally invasive but requires general anesthesia.
Reversibility:
Designed for permanent use, although adjustments or removal are possible.
Location:
Exclusively performed at the main Reed Migraine Center facility in Dallas, TX.
Why is a trial procedure necessary before the permanent procedure?
The Trial Procedure is a crucial step before the Permanent Procedure because it ensures that the Reed Procedure® is effective and suitable for each individual patient. Here’s why it’s necessary:
Evaluation of Effectiveness
The trial allows you and your medical team to determine if neurostimulation significantly reduces your headache frequency, severity, or duration.
A successful trial is defined as at least 50% improvement in headache symptoms.
Personalized Experience
It provides firsthand experience of the neurostimulation effects, helping you understand how the therapy might feel and function in daily life.
Feedback from the trial period helps optimize the programming for the Permanent Procedure.
Avoids Unnecessary Surgery
The trial ensures you won’t undergo a permanent surgical procedure unless there’s clear evidence that the therapy will benefit you.
It minimizes risks by selecting only patients who respond well to the treatment.
Informed Decision
By experiencing the temporary system, you can make a confident and informed choice about whether to proceed with the permanent implant.
Customization
The trial helps the medical team determine the best placement and settings for the permanent leads and device.
The information from the trial is used to fine-tune the permanent system for maximum efficacy.
The trial procedure ensures that patients who proceed with the permanent implant have a high likelihood of success, making it a thoughtful and patient-centered step in the process.
What is the timeline between the trial and permanent procedures?
Typically, after the trial procedure, you’ll have a follow-up to discuss your experience and the effectiveness of the trial. If it’s successful and you opt for the permanent implant, Reed Migraine Centers will seek prior authorization from your insurance company, which may take up to 30 business days. Once approved, the permanent procedure will be scheduled.