Direct Lateral Canthal (DLC) Approach to the Zygomaticotemporal Branch of the Trigeminal Nerve (Hamawy-Amirlak Technique)

The direct lateral canthal (DLC) approach to the zygomaticotemporal branch of the trigeminal nerve (ZTBTN) is a short procedure that can be done under local anesthesia to treat migraine headache pain originating from this nerve. Direct visualization of the zygomaticotemporal branch of the trigeminal nerve can be obtained with this approach, and this technique is especially useful in cases where the surgeon is less familiar with the endoscopic approach, extensive scarring of the dissection planes, and when an endoscopic procedure needs to be converted to open.