Refractory Headache Treatment in China: Breaking Free with Advanced Nerve Block Therapy
- MedBridge NZ
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Key Takeaways
The Challenge: Refractory (intractable) headaches often resist standard medication, leaving patients in a cycle of chronic pain.
The Solution: Nerve Block Therapy (such as Stellate Ganglion Blocks) is a proven micro-invasive treatment used by leading neurosurgeons to reset the nervous system.
The Expert: Dr. Dong Hui, a Chief Physician in Neurosurgery, explains the mechanism of breaking the "pain feedback loop."
The Access: Through MedBridgeNZ, a dedicated medical concierge provider, international patients can access top-tier Refractory Headache Treatment in China.
Are you or a loved one suffering from headaches that just won't go away, no matter what medication you try? You are not alone. In clinical practice, many patients experience "intractable" or refractory headaches. These are severe, persistent headaches where standard treatments provide little to no relief, often leaving patients feeling hopeless.
For those who have exhausted local options, looking abroad can offer new hope. This article explores the science behind these stubborn headaches and introduces why Refractory Headache Treatment in China, specifically Nerve Block Therapy, is becoming a sought-after solution for global patients.

Understanding Refractory Headaches: Why Meds Fail
Refractory headaches are characterized by their resistance to standard medical care. Effective management requires a highly personalized approach, starting with a clear classification of the headache type:
Migraines
Cluster Headaches
Tension-Type Headaches
While standard Western protocols involve layered approaches—preventive medications (e.g., Propranolol, Topiramate) and acute relief drugs (e.g., Triptans)—many patients find these insufficient. When the body stops responding to drugs, or the side effects become unbearable, a different mechanism of action is required.
Advanced Refractory Headache Treatment in China: The Nerve Block Approach
When oral medication fails, Nerve Block Therapy offers a promising solution. China's leading neurosurgeons are utilizing this micro-invasive technique with high success rates.
According to Dr. Dong Hui, a distinguished neurosurgeon, specific nerve blocks are a critical intervention. Two key procedures utilized in Refractory Headache Treatment in China include:
Stellate Ganglion Block: Targets the sympathetic nerves in the neck to regulate blood flow and pain signals.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block: Targets a nerve bundle deep in the face often linked to severe migraines and cluster headaches.
The Mechanism: Breaking the "Pain Loop"
To understand why this treatment works where pills fail, we must look at the "Neural Reflex Arc" of a headache. Dr. Dong explains the cycle:
The Trigger: Pain receptors in blood vessels and neck muscles detect distress.
The Amplification: The brain's emotional centers get involved, creating a "feedback loop" where the sympathetic nervous system becomes abnormally excited. This constricts blood vessels and causes more pain.
Nerve Block Therapy acts as a circuit breaker. By blocking this abnormal excitement, it improves blood circulation in the head and neck, inhibits pain signal transmission, and regulates the body's neuro-endocrine-immune network.
Important: Diagnosis Before Destination
Dr. Dong emphasizes that before undergoing any procedure, safety is paramount. Patients must undergo proper imaging (MRI) and EEG to ensure the headache is not caused by tumors or cerebrovascular disease. As a medical concierge provider, MedBridgeNZ assists in organizing these preliminary reviews by Chinese specialists before you even travel.
Accessing World-Class Care via MedBridgeNZ
Accessing advanced Refractory Headache Treatment in China requires navigating a foreign healthcare system. This is where MedBridgeNZ serves as your essential partner.
We are a premier medical concierge provider, meaning we do not provide medical services ourselves. Instead, we specialize in Medical Tourism China, bridging the gap between international patients and top-tier Chinese hospitals.
Whether you need a consultation with experts like Dr. Dong Hui or assistance with travel logistics for specialized procedures, MedBridgeNZ ensures your journey to recovery is seamless and stress-free.
Source of Information
Author: Dr. Dong Hui (Chief Physician)
Department: Neurosurgery
Institution: The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Henan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital)
About Dr. Dong Hui:
Dr. Dong specializes in neurosurgical treatments for cerebral palsy, spinal cord stimulation, and intractable neurological disorders. He is an expert in sympathetic nerve stripping and the treatment of refractory sleep disorders and depression via neuromodulation. He has published over 20 core academic papers (including SCI indexed articles) and holds multiple provincial and municipal research awards.
References
Original Video Title: 顽固性头痛 (Intractable Headache)
Original Video URL: https://v.douyin.com/bY5tpaAkBP4/



