Cerebral Metabolism in Patients With Refractory Chronic Cluster Headache Treated by Occipital Nerve Stimulation

Study of the Cerebral Metabolism in Patients With Refractory Chronic Cluster Headache Treated by Occipital Nerve Stimulation

The occipital nerve stimulation (ONS) is used to treat patients with refractory primary chronic headache but its mechanism of action (MoA) remains unknown. Different hypothesis have been suggested in particular a specific action on cerebral generators involved in different types of primary headaches or a non specific action on pain modulatory network.

The aim of this study, using the chronic cluster headache as a model, is to determine the changes in cerebral metabolism induced by ONS to precise its MoA in the treatment of primary chronic headache.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age > 18 years
• chronic cluster headache (according to the IHS)
• refractory in who a treatment by ONS have been indicated
• patient affiliated at social security,
• informed consent signed

Exclusion Criteria:

• contraindication to MRI
• contraindication to 18F-FDG PET
• women without contraception/pregnant/breast-feeding
• patient non-compliant
• patient on legal guardianship