SynthesisBMC neurology2025
Exploring the potential of deep brain stimulation in managing cluster headache: a systematic review.
Synthesis in BMC neurology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Stereotactic radiosurgery in the management of cluster headache: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis.Neurosurgical review · 2026Pooled it
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundThe debilitating nature of cluster headache (CH) is typified by intense, repeated cephalgia that are often referred to as "suicide headaches" owing to their severity. Individuals may not respond appropriately to therapeutic interventions despite various alternatives being readily available. This warrants an investigation into further management options. One of the promising solutions for CH has been identified as deep brain stimulation (DBS), which specifically targets the posterior hypothalamus.
aimThis systematic review aims to summarize the current literature on the safety and efficacy of DBS in the management of CH. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A comprehensive literature search identified 15 relevant studies comprising clinical trials, case reports, and observational studies from Embase, Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 standards.
resultsThe systematic review elucidated that DBS, with a focus on the posterior hypothalamus, facilitated significant reductions in the frequency, severity, and duration of cephalgic 'attacks' associated with CH observed. While individual responses varied, DBS was generally well-tolerated, with transient and reversible adverse effects involving focal neurological deficits (i.e., diplopia) being the most common. Importantly, long-term benefits were observed in vast populations, improving their overall quality of life. Furthermore, DBS demonstrated effects beyond localized hypothalamic stimulation, with evidence suggesting modulation of the pain processing network. Additionally, DBS was found to alleviate nocturnal CH attacks without disrupting circadian rhythms. These findings suggest that DBS holds promise as a therapeutic option for CH, particularly in individuals refractory to other treatments.
conclusionExisting research suggests that DBS, particularly when targeting the posterior hypothalamus, can significantly reduce CH 'attack' frequency, severity, and duration. Further research should focus on patient selection criteria and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underpinning DBS to optimize its effectiveness in managing such a disabling cephalgia.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.