British doctors from the National Health Service (NHS) are currently working on an electronic device aimed at preventing and relieving the onset of chronic migraines. Called “gammaCore”, this device delivers a low-intensity electrical current to block pain signals.
- A device based on electrical stimulation is being tested to relieve pain in severe migraines
- It also helps prevent the recurrence of migraine episodes
A small, hand-held device that uses electrical signals to disrupt pain signals. Here is a promising device that should provide relief to migraine patients.
Currently being tested by National Health Service (NHS) – United Kingdom public health system – this device called “gammaCore” is placed on the side of the neck and is activated by electrostimulation to quickly suppress pain and prevent the recurrence of migraine attacks.
“Although small, these devices will make a huge difference for people who suffer from these debilitating headaches – they will relieve painful symptoms and allow people to go about their daily lives as normal.“, assures in a press release Stephen Powis, medical director of the NHS.
A treatment that could benefit 11,000 patients
After two years of testing, this device (whose use is being extended) could benefit patients suffering from cluster headaches. According to NHS estimates, approximately 11,000 people could benefit from the gammaCore device. In the UK, the number of people suffering from cluster headaches is estimated at 27,400 each year.
Cluster headaches are severe migraines that come on quickly and are often described as a burning or stinging sensation on one side of the head. Attacks last between 15 minutes and three hours and can occur up to eight times a day.
First approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States last year, gammaCore received an extended authorization in February 2021 for the acute and preventive treatment of migraines in adolescents from 12 to 17 years old.
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