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Background:

Experts agree that nerve block (NB) response is an important tool in headache surgery screening. However, the predictive value of NBs remains to be proven in a prospective fashion.

Methods:

Pre-NB and post-NB visual analogue pain scores (0 to 10) and duration of NB response were recorded prospectively. Surgical outcomes were recorded prospectively by calculating the Migraine Headache Index (MHI) preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 months, 12 months, and every year thereafter.

Results:

The study population included 115 patients. The chance of achieving MHI percentage improvement of 80% or higher was significantly higher in subjects who reported relative pain reduction of greater than 60% following NB versus less than or equal to 60%[63 of 92 (68.5%) versus 10 of 23 (43.5%); P= 0.03]. Patients were more likely to improve their MHI 50% or more with relative pain reduction of greater …