A New Approach to Chronic Headache Relief

For millions of people, chronic headaches are more than just an occasional inconvenience—they are a daily burden that disrupts sleep, work, and quality of life. Traditional treatments such as medications, lifestyle changes, and even Botox injections may provide temporary relief, but for some patients, the pain persists.

One of Dr. Grace Mandigo’s patients, a woman from Staten Island who underwent the procedure in September, described the life-changing impact:

I have been suffering from chronic headaches for years, and every single day felt like a struggle. I tried everything: daily prescription medications, lifestyle changes, even Botox injections. While some treatments helped temporarily, nothing gave me lasting relief. That all changed when I underwent this procedure. For the first time in years, I woke up without a headache. It's been truly life-changing. I can concentrate at work, sleep soundly, and finally enjoy life without the constant cloud of pain hanging over me. I’m so thankful to the team for giving me my life back.

What Is Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization?

The treatment that helped this patient is called middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization. It is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure. Using image guidance, a microcatheter is threaded through the external carotid artery into the middle meningeal artery. Once in place, embolic material (such as tiny particles or medical glue) is injected to block blood flow through the artery.

Although MMA embolization was originally developed for other conditions, recent research has shown promise in using this approach to help patients with intractable headaches, including chronic migraine. For patients who have not responded well to medications or other therapies, this procedure offers a new avenue for relief.

Emerging Research and Results

Clinical evidence supporting MMA embolization for headache treatment is growing:

• Dr. Mandigo and colleagues recently published a review in Surgical Neurology International, “Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization for Migraine: A Review,” which explores the mechanisms and outcomes of this therapy.
• A 2025 case series in Interventional Neuroradiology reported on patients with chronic migraine and bilateral occlusion of the middle meningeal artery, further highlighting the potential of this technique in reducing disabling headache symptoms (read more here).

Sharing Knowledge at Brainwaves 2025

Dr. Mandigo will be speaking on endovascular treatment of headache at the 2025 Brainwaves: Columbia Neurosurgery Brain and Spine Review on Friday, September 26,2025. Her talk will highlight the science behind MMA embolization and its potential to change the way headaches are treated.

Who Might Benefit?

This therapy may be an option for patients who:

• Struggle with chronic, disabling headaches or migraines.
• Have tried multiple medications or other interventions with little relief.
• Are looking for a minimally invasive alternative to long-term drug therapy.

Looking Ahead

MMA embolization is still considered an emerging treatment, but early results are encouraging. With ongoing research and clinical trials, neurosurgeons like Dr. Grace Mandigo are working to refine patient selection and expand access to this promising therapy. For patients living under the daily weight of chronic headaches, this approach offers hope for a future with less pain—and more life.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact Dr. Mandigo’s office at (212) 305-4676.