By Roger Dobson for The Mail on Sunday
- Cluster headaches cause burning or stabbing sensation in the eye or head
- An almond-sized implant has been developed that can 'switch off' problem
- Stimulator blocks faulty nerve signals and can ease symptoms in minutes
- 'Invisible' device inserted via the gum into the cheek beneath eye socket
An almond-sized nerve stimulator implanted under the eye is being used by NHS pain experts to ‘switch off’ cluster headaches that cause agony for sufferers. This is the first therapy designed specifically to treat the condition, which affects more than 100,000 Britons and can lead to depression and even suicide. Cluster headaches are characterised by intense pressure, burning or stabbing sensations in the area of one eye or in the head. The pain is typically accompanied by swelling, tears, red eyes, flushing and nasal congestion.