Drs: Device For Teen With Severe Migraines + Reed Procedure

The Drs: Teen Suffering Severe Migraines

The Doctors shared that one 15-year-old girl named Emilie was very active and participated in dance and swimming, but as her migraines progressed, she hardly left her room. Emilie said she sleeps because she doesn’t want to have to deal with the pain. She began getting migraines when she was in the 5th grade. Her parents took her to a neurologist and she began taking pain medications. The headaches only got worse and the medications weren’t working. She was sensitive to light, noise, perfumes, and even the weather. Her grades suffered.

In the 7th grade, Emilie started getting abdominal pains that were worse than cramps. She couldn’t eat and would curl up into a ball. She lives with pain every day, both from her head and stomach. Emilie’s parents then saw Dr Reed on The Doctors and learned about the Reed procedure. The Reed procedure is a neurostimulator implant that effectively stops headaches. Emilie went down for the trial and her family was happily surprised that Emilie had no pain. Emily was finally back to living life like before, but only for seven days.

Because the trial was successful, they applied for the permanent procedure. Emilie was so excited to get the procedure done, but then at the very last minute found out that she couldn’t have it.

The Drs: Reed Procedure For Migraines

Emilie and her mom joined the show, as well as Dr Reed. Dr Ken Reed explained that several years ago, the procedure would be considered an investigation, but now, most of his patients’ procedures are covered by insurance. The times that the insurance company wouldn’t cover it, it was overturned by an expert saying that it shouldn’t be considered an investigation. At times, there are still issues with insurance.

The Drs: Implantable Device To Cure Migraines

Dr Reed explained that what was particularly troublesome in Emilie’s case was that their insurance approved the trial, but not the procedure. He explained that the permanent device would go under the skin near the upper rear. From that battery, four very long wires would pass under the skin, leading up to the brain. The wires cannot be felt, but when the device is turned on, the patient will feel a mild tingling sensation. That device effectively stops the headaches from occurring.

Without insurance, a permanent stimulator would cost $50,000-60,000. The good news is that Dr Reed agreed to cover the cost of Emilie’s procedure, since insurance wouldn’t. Emilie and her mom were both brought to tears.

Do you suffer from severe migraines? Would you consider undergoing a procedure like the Reed procedure to find relief?