During a Cluster Headache attack, the brain area called the hypothalamus may not do its usual job of blocking pain signals, which can make the pain worse. Stimulating the occipital nerves (at the back of the head) may help return brain activity in certain areas-like the hypothalamus, midbrain, and lower brainstem-back to normal. This could help reduce the brain's sensitivity to pain over time.
Stimulating another nerve group, called the V1 branch of the Trigeminal nerves (around the forehead and eye), can also help by interrupting pain signals and possibly stopping an attack or making it less severe and less frequent.
When both nerve areas-the Trigeminal and Occipital nerves-are stimulated together, it may have a stronger effect on reducing pain and how often headaches happen. Some early reports in a few patients have shown promising results with this combined treatment.
The PRIMUS system is a small device that can be implanted under the skin. It was designed to target both the Trigeminal and Occipital nerves at the same time, with a focus on treating severe head and face pain. It may offer relief for people with chronic cluster headaches who haven't been helped by medication.
