Electrical Nerve Stimulation Device Prevents Migraine

In a new study, Cefaly, the first FDA-approved transcutaneous electrical nerve-stimulation device for use before onset of migraine pain. It was shown to have provided relief for 81% of migraine patients who used it.

The study, conducted in Italy, enrolled 24 patients with migraine without aura. These patients were experiencing a low number of attacks per month and who had taken migraine-preventive drugs. The primary outcome measures were the reductions in migraine attacks and in the number of migraine days per month. Then investigators also analyzed the percentage of patients with at least a 50% reduction in the rate of monthly migraine attacks and in the number of migraine days. Secondary outcome measures included the reduction of headache severity during migraine attacks, the Headache Impact Test 6 (HIT-6) rating, and the monthly use of rescue medication. The study was conducted from January 2013 to October 2014.

Between run-in and the second month of treatment, all primary and secondary endpoints were met. Then investigators observed a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of migraine attacks (P < 0.001) and in the number of migraine days (P < 0.001) per month. They also noted at least a 50 % reduction in the number of monthly migraine attacks and in the number of migraine days in 81% and 75% of patients, respectively.

By Cefaly Technology

2015