A new way to stop migraines
We are conducting a trial of a very novel treatment for migraine headaches. ElectroCore is a company that developed a small hand-held device which is placed at the front of the neck during a migraine and which painlessly stimulates the vagus nerve. The idea for this device came from my study of 6 patients who had a vagus nerve stimulator implanted in the neck. The results of this study was published in 2005 in the journal Cephalalgia. All six patients had very debilitating headache which did not respond to dozens of drugs, Botox injections, nerve blocks, acupuncture and a variety of other treatments. Two of them had cluster headaches and both improved. Four had chronic migraines and two of these also improved.
Implanting a device to stimulate the vagus nerve is an invasive and expensive procedure, so having a small portable and non-invasive device offers great advantages. This device is approved in Europe and id currently in clinical trials in the US.
No, I haven’t heard of it and it looks like it’s not going to be available until June at the earliest. There is some rationale to this idea and it is possible that having one’s vagus nerve stimulated through the ear could relieve migraine and even cluster headaches.
Have you heard of these vague-nerve-stimulating headphones? Do you think they might be effective as a treatment? http://www.medicaldaily.com/new-headphones-vagus-nerve-dopamine-music-379666
My neurologist told me about the new stimulator a few weeks ago. He sent an email to me last friday asking if I would like to trial it as there was one available. Of course I said yes.
I had an ONS implanted earlier this year which failed to provide any relief. I had it removed a couple of months ago. I hope for a better response to the external ElectroCore.
Hi Taryn,
Please call the office 212-794-3550 to be screened for the study. I would also suggest that if you are having a hysterectomy for fibroids, you should consider getting a second opinion from a radiologist who does embolization, which is a much less invasive procedure. Removing ovaries usually does not worsen migraine headaches, but also does not help them. However, natural menopause does relieve migraines in 2 out of 3 women. Even if you do not have more than 14 headache days each month, Botox can be effective. It is being studied for very frequent, but not chronic migraines – those occurring on 10-14 days each month. Also, many patients who have many severe headaches each month suffer from mild headaches in between, which they often fail to mention because they are not disabling. And, all together the headache days can add up to 15 or more days, making the patient eligible for insurance reimbursement for Botox. Another consideration is magnesium supplementation with oral magnesium or an intravenous infusion.
Dear Dr. Mauskop, I have menstrual migraines. I do not have more than 14 a month. I am getting a hysterectomy soon but saving my ovaries so I will not get worse headaches as the estrogen levels drop with the loss of the ovaries. I have suffered since I was 12 and really need help. I have tried everything. Thanks for considering me. It would mean a lot to my 5 year old and disabled husband as well as myself. Thanks, Taryn
Hello Dr. Mauskop,
I see from the above response that you mention the possibilty of a trial for chronic migraine in the next few months. Please consider me for this trial as I have suffered from very debilitating chronic migraine for the past 30 years.
I have tried dozens of preventive and acute meds, as well as acupuncture, biofeedback, physical therapy, nerve blocks, and botox injections. Botox worked best but only for about 6 years and the next 3 years that I used it, it became increasingly more ineffective and stopped working.
I had to leave a job that I loved in November because my migraines became so debilitating that I was no longer able to work, even part time. I miss countless social and family events. I am 58 years old and will do anything to get my life back.
Please contact me. Thank you!
At this time our study is limited to patients with migraines occurring on not more than 14 days each month. In the next few months, we might begin a trial for chronic migraines as well.
Hello,
I am interested in learning about and possibly become a participant in the trial of the ElectroCore.
I am a migraine suffer, 24 years old and I am desperate after years of seeking medical attention, numerous medications and still not having a quality of life.
I cannot maintain a social /work life due to the debilitating effects of chronic migraine despite all my current medications and the years are passing me by.
Please contact me.
Hello,
I am interested in learning about and possibly become a participant in the trial of the ElectroCore.
I am a migraine suffer, 24 years old and I am desperate after years of seeking medical attention, numerous medications and still not having a quality of life.
I cannot maintain a social /work life due to the debilitating effects of chronic migraine despite all my current medications and the years are passing me by.
Please contact me at my email or 908-596-1334.