Treating Migraines: New Technology is Wireless, Discreet

Conclusions from a preliminary study suggest that a recently developed wireless electrical stimulation device provides relief of pain from migraine that is comparable to that achieved by triptan medications. The device was developed by Theranica, Ltd., an Israeli-based maker of neuromodulation technology. Unlike previous devices worn on the head, the new wireless patch is worn via an arm band, and is controllable via smartphone app. Study author David Yarnitsky, MD, a member of the medical advisory board for Theranica, commented, “People with migraine are looking for nondrug treatments, and this new device is easy to use, has no side effects and can be conveniently used in work or social settings.” The findings were published online earlier this week in the journal Neurology®

In the study, 71 patients who suffered episodic migraine attacks ranging from 2 to 8 per month abstained from medication for migraine for at least 60 days. Participants then applied the upper arm device and activated it for 20 minutes following the onset of an attack. The device was preprogrammed to deliver either placebo, or one of 4 levels of active stimulation. Of 299 migraine attacks treated with the device, active stimulation at the 3 highest levels provided at least 50% reduction in pain levels for 64% of patients, compared to only 26% who received sham stimulation or placebo. Dr. Yarnitsky observed. “These results are similar to those seen for the triptan medications for migraine.” 

Read more about the findings here.

The journal abstract may be read here.