Non-drug neuromodulation devices offer another migraine treatment option

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Several FDA-cleared wearable devices can prevent or abort migraine attacks without medication, which is especially relevant for people who are pregnant, prefer to avoid drugs, or have not responded to pharmacologic options. Brian Grosberg describes devices that deliver magnetic or electrical stimulation to branches of the trigeminal nerve above the eyebrows, devices that stimulate the vagus nerve externally (worn externally, not implanted), and an arm-band device called Nerivio that delivers stimulation through a nerve in the arm and is controlled by a smartphone app. Hartford Healthcare was the lead clinical site for the study that led to FDA clearance of the Nerivio device. These devices carry their own costs — some are purchased outright, others leased monthly — and insurance coverage varies. Grosberg believes many migraine patients are unaware these options exist.