Migraine and tension-type headache treated with stromal vascular fraction: a case series

Abstract

IntroductionChronic migraines and tension-type headaches are debilitating diseases affecting 1.4 to 2.2% of the population with both quality of life and economic implications. To date, the pain associated with migraine and tension-type headaches has been controlled with a range of medications, with varying levels of success. In addition, the side-effect profile of these medications, as well as their potential for addiction, has been a cause for concern for both patients and physicians.Case presentationsFour women with long histories of migraine or frequent tension-type headache that meet the International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria for Chronic Migraine or Tension-type Headaches were given a systemic treatment(s) of autologous stromal vascular fraction or autologous ‘StroMed’ isolated from lipoaspirate. StroMed is stromal vascular fraction cells prepared by ultrasonic cavitation. Two of the four patients, both of whom are Arab women aged 40 and 36 years, ceased having migraines after 1 month, for a period of 12 to 18 months. The third patient, a Slavic woman aged 43 years, had a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of migraines with only seven migraines over 18 months. The fourth patient, an Asian woman aged 44 years, obtained a temporary decrease for a period of a month and was retreated 18 months later and has been free of migraines to date for 1 month. Pain medication was typically reduced from prescribed opioid analgesia to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol.ConclusionsThis case series is the first to provide evidence of the efficacy of autologous StroMed and stromal vascular fraction in the treatment of migraine and tension-type headache. The treatment of this disease by stromal vascular fraction adds a new dimension to its clinical applicability and suggests a relatively simple treatment that may help address the symptoms of the disease. Given what is known about the components of the stromal vascular fraction and how they act, the information presented in this case series may also further our knowledge of the etiology and pathophysiology of migraine and tension-type headaches. This treatment is simple, looks to be extremely effective and has been life changing for these patients.

Comparison of intraoperative procedures for isolation of clinical grade stromal vascular fraction for regenerative purposes: a systematic review

“…viability of SVF, flow cytometry of SVF cells and ASCs, were used to treat patients. One study used SVF obtained by ultrasonic cavitation to treat patients with migraine and tension headache (Bright et al, 2014). Another study used SVF in combination with platelet rich plasma for meniscus repair (Pak et al, 2014).…”

The Use of Autologous Fat Grafting for Treatment of Scar Tissue and Scar-Related Conditions

“…[12][13][14][15] The mitigating effect of autologous fat grafting on different types of pain was postulated to be a result of changes in the microenvironment and secretion of substances by mesenchymal cells of the graft, which may cause prolonged analgesia. [16][17][18] In general, positive results were reported for all of the treatment objectives. However, one should be aware that there is an inherent bias for publication of positive results.…”

“…The hypothesis is that mesenchymal cells of the graft give prolonged analgesia by changes in the microenvironment and secretion of substances. [16][17][18] The use of autologous fat grafting is used increasingly in common practice, but to date, there is a lack of scientific evidence regarding the effects on scar tissue. 13 Our goal is to systematically review the available literature that describes the effectiveness of autologous fat grafting in the treatment of scar tissue-related symptoms, including the appearance of the scar, skin characteristics, restoration of volume and/or (threedimensional) contour, pain, and itch.…”

Preliminary Clinical Results With Lipoaspirate Stromal Vascular Cell Fraction in Treatment of Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

“…Так, в исследовании Bright было обна-ружено, что внутривенное введение СВФ паци-ентам с ДОА сопровождалось неожиданным сни-жением частоты и интенсивности мигренозных приступов [5]. Авторы предполагают, что этот эффект связан с противовоспалительной и им-муномодулирующей активностью МСК и М2-макрофагов.…”