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Potential new neuromodulation treatment for migraines


 

Finding the perfect patient

There are other FDA-cleared noninvasive devices to treat migraines. One device, CEFALY, is an external trigeminal nerve stimulation device that sits on the forehead. Another device, SpringTMS, uses transcranial magnetic stimulation on the back of the head. A third option, the gammaCore Sapphire, is placed on the neck to stimulate the vagus nerve. All three have been cleared by the FDA to work as preventive and acute treatments for migraine.

Theranica, the company that developed Nerivio, is trying to boost use of the device by allowing patients to get a prescription via telehealth visits with a physician.

The company, as well as the companies behind the other neuromodulation devices, are marketing their treatments to children ages 12 and up since nonpharmacologic options are often preferable for parents, said Thomas Berk, MD, a clinical associate professor in the division of headache at NYU Langone Health in New York.

Dr. Berk said the devices could be appealing for those people who don’t want or can’t take medication, such as pregnant women or those who don’t respond well to drugs. “[They] could also be used by somebody who needs something in addition to a medication,” he said.

For now, people like Ms. Montgomery say they are happy to have another tool in their migraine arsenal. “Overall, I’m taking less medication because I haven’t had to have my Ubrelvy refilled as often as I used to,” she said. “It’s really helped me manage changes and stresses in my life.”

A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.

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