Safety

Is TEMMA Safe?

TEMMA is based on a neurovascular technique that has been performed thousands of times worldwide. Here's what you should know.

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0+
Years of coil technology
used safely in neurovascular care
0+
MMA embolizations performed
worldwide across all conditions
<1%
Serious complication rate
across published studies
0
Cognitive side effects
the MMA does not supply brain tissue

Yes — when performed by the right team.

The technique used for TEMMA — middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization — has been performed thousands of times worldwide for other conditions, most commonly chronic subdural hematomas (collections of blood between the brain and its outer covering). Across all those procedures, the safety record has been excellent.

For migraine treatment specifically, early studies have shown a strong safety profile with no major neurologic complications reported in published case series.

Why It's Safe

Six reasons TEMMA has a strong safety profile.

Coils have been used safely for over 40 years

Platinum coils like the one used in TEMMA are a standard, well-understood tool in neurovascular medicine. They have been used millions of times worldwide to treat aneurysms and other vascular conditions.

The MMA does not supply the brain

The middle meningeal artery supplies the dura — the thick covering around the brain — not brain tissue itself. Closing it does not affect how the brain works, your thinking, or your memory.

Performed by fellowship-trained specialists

TEMMA is performed by neurointerventional specialists who have completed medical school, residency, and an additional 2–3 year fellowship focused entirely on minimally invasive cerebrovascular procedures.

Tiny access point

The procedure is done through a 2–3 mm opening at the wrist or groin — closed with a small bandage. No head incisions, no skull opening, no surgical wound.

Same-day discharge

Most patients go home the same day and feel normal within 24 hours. There is no hospital stay and no prolonged recovery period.

Strong published safety record

Studies of MMA embolization — for migraine and other conditions — consistently show no loss of brain function, no cognitive changes, and extremely low rates of serious complications.

Risk Profile

Possible side effects.

Side effects from TEMMA are usually mild and temporary. Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours. The visualization below shows the relative frequency of each category.

Common
Less Common
Rare
Common

Mild & temporary

  • Mild headache or pressure for a day or two
  • Fatigue for the first 24–48 hours
  • Soreness or bruising at the wrist or groin access site
  • Temporary scalp tingling or sensations
Less common

A small number of patients

  • Brief visual changes
  • Temporary facial numbness or weakness
  • Allergic reaction to contrast dye
  • Bleeding at the access site
Rare but serious

Extremely rare in published literature

  • Stroke
  • Vessel injury
  • Coil migration

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Every patient's situation is different. Schedule a consultation and we'll review your case honestly.

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