Those who suffer from migraines know they are not just headaches. This debilitating, full-body neurological disorder results in dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and incapacitating headaches. However, there is good news coming from the New York Times for people who experience frequent migraines and feel no relief from traditional medications: a newly marketed wearable nerve-stimulating device that can be activated by a smartphone to relieve the pain of migraine.
47 million people in the U.S. suffer from migraines, and for six million, the condition is chronic. The two FDA approved drug treatment options for migraines, unfortunately, are not very effective because people either deny their need for medication or overuse it. Research has found that half of all patients with chronic migraine overuse the treatment, making it less effective.
The new treatment option is a neurostimulator marketed by Theranica as “Nerivio Migra.” The device is worn as an armband, runs off a rechargeable battery, and can be activated by the user’s smartphone app. When activated, the device transmits weak electrical pulses on the skin to alleviate migraine symptoms. The device costs $99 for 12 applications, but for individuals who’s daily lives are routinely interrupted by chronic pain, the device could be incredibly valuable.
