They are known as neuromodulation devices.
Among the advantages of such neuromodulation devices is the absence of medication side effects, including medication overuse headaches.
Three of these devices have been cleared by the FDA and already are already in use.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Some require a prescription, but some are available over the counter (OTC).
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Cefaly was the first neurostimulator approved by the FDA for migraine prevention.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
It’s now approved to both treat and prevent migraines.
It’s available over the counter.
It is sold under the brand name eNeura and is only available with a healthcare provider’s prescription.
It contains a magnet that is turned on for a split-second pulse.
This powerful machine can be rented for three months at a time.
The sTMS gadget uses pulses of magnetic energy to disrupt this wave.
One set of subjects was given an sTMS rig and the other group was given a fake rig.
Both groups were told to use their gadget for up to three migraine attacks during a three-month period.
None of the subjects knew which unit they were using.
They also were more likely to be pain-free 24 hours and 48 hours after treatment.
How it works:The vagus nerve plays a significant role in regulating pain sensations.
The gammaCore Sapphire stimulates this nerve, thereby blocking pain signals brought on by migraine.
The unit is now approved for use in people aged 12 or older.
What it is:Nerivio is a wearable unit that deploys remote electrical neuromodulation (REN).
How it works:Nerivio works by stimulating small nerves in the upper arm.
The message from the arm is transmitted up to a pain regulation center in the brainstem.
This process results in pain relief that can end the migraine attack.
For best results, Nerivio should be worn for 45 minutes.
Effectiveness:Nerivio was evaluated in several studies covering both adults and adolescents.
Side effects and contraindications:People using Nerivio may feel a tingling sensation, but it should not hurt.
The gadget has not been evaluated in people who are pregnant or younger than 12 years of age.
They have an advantage over pharmacutical treatments because they don’t cause side effects or rebound headaches.
However, these devices can be pricey and they’re not always covered by health insurance.
Miller S, Sinclair AJ, Davies B, Matharu M.Neurostimulation in the treatment of primary headaches.Pract Neurol.
2021 Feb;61(2):310-317. doi: 10.1111/head.14042.
2019 Sep;59(8):1240-1252. doi:10.1111/head.13551.
American Migraine Foundation.Neuromodulation for migraine treatment: an overview.April 2, 2020.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Treating migraines: More ways to fight the pain.
Feb 23, 2017.
