Skip to main content

Migraine – New Hope Through Vagus Nerve Stimulation

It is far more than just a “severe headache”. For many sufferers, an migraine attack means being at the mercy of others for days on end: pulsating pain, sensitivity to light, nausea, visual disturbances. Every step, every movement, every sound can become torture. Around 10 to 15 percent of the population suffer from this regularly. Jörg Trinkwallner, an expert in medical technology and digital health solutions, has found a way to alleviate the suffering.

Migraines affect women significantly more often than men. The search for an effective therapy is often lengthy. Many medications only help to a limited extent or cause side effects that put an additional strain on everyday life. Those who regularly take painkillers also run the risk of so-called drug-induced headaches. And so, for many, a cycle begins that is difficult to break. But now there is a promising new option: transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation – tVNS for short – could be an effective and well-tolerated addition to existing treatment for many migraine patients.

What is transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation?

The vagus nerve is one of the longest and most important nerves in the body. It runs from the brain via the neck and chest to the abdomen and plays a central role in the so-called parasympathetic nervous system – the part of the nervous system responsible for relaxation, regeneration and inner balance.

In tVNS, an externally accessible branch of this nerve at the so-called cymba conchae is stimulated using light electrical impulses. This is done using a small portable device that is connected to an electrode on the ear via a cable. The application is non-invasive, i.e. without surgery, and can be carried out comfortably at home. The sensation is similar to a gentle tingling – many even find it pleasant.

How can tVNS help with migraines?

Numerous studies show that stimulation of the vagus nerve at the cymba conchae (a small, curved bony structure located in the middle ear) has a positive effect on the nervous system – especially regions in the brain that play a role in pain perception and processing. The activation of these pain-modulating areas can help to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of migraine attacks. Another possible effect is that vagus nerve stimulation has an anti-inflammatory effect. As attacks are often associated with neurogenic inflammation in the brain, this could be another mechanism of action.

Particularly important for many patients: tVNS can also be useful if medication does not help sufficiently or is poorly tolerated. And it can be easily combined with other forms of therapy – be it medication, physiotherapy or relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.

This has also been proven by scientific studies: A meta-analysis published in 2020 by Borg et al. shows a positive effectiveness of tVNS in the treatment of migraines. It looked at several clinical studies and came to the conclusion that tVNS is a safe and promising treatment option for migraines, especially in patients who do not respond sufficiently to drug therapies.

3 things you should know about tVNS for migraines

  • It’s not a magic bullet – but it is a building block.
Vagus nerve stimulation does not cure migraines. But it can help to significantly alleviate the symptoms. Scientific studies show that the number of attacks is reduced for many people and the intensity of the pain also decreases – especially with regular use. There are also documented cases in science that have experienced complete relief from migraines – but this is not the rule.
  • The application is suitable for everyday use and can also be used by children.
The devices for transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation are small, portable and easy to use. Many sufferers use them in the morning or evening – around 60 minutes a day is often enough. The application is painless and requires no prior medical knowledge. There are transcutaneous devices that are approved as medical devices for use in children aged three and over. This demonstrates the safety of the application.  
  • Side effects are rare. Most users report at most a slight tingling sensation, a warm feeling or minimal skin irritation on the ear. According to current knowledge, serious side effects are very rare.

A new way to improve quality of life

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation offers a promising, non-invasive treatment option for migraine patients, especially for those who do not achieve sufficient success with conventional therapies. Numerous scientific studies have proven the effectiveness and safety of the method, making it a valuable alternative for sufferers. Regular use could help to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, with relatively few side effects.

migraine, vagus nerve stimulation

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *