A new minimally invasive technique for cauterizing the maxillary artery and its application in the treatment of cluster headache.

PURPOSE To describe a new, relatively atraumatic method of cauterizing the maxillary artery and its effectiveness in treating cluster headache. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five 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. RESULTS The success rate and postoperative morbidity are presented. In four out of five patients the cluster attacks ceased immediately following surgery. CONCLUSION A 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.