e-TNS was found
to be safe and effective for treating patients with acute migraine in this
pilot study. Further studies will confirm its extensive application.
External trigeminal nerve stimulation (e-TNS) is a non-invasive medical device commonly used for the treatment of neurologic and psychiatric disorders. e-TNS is conducted via a transcutaneous supraorbital stimulator, which delivers mild electric signals to the affected organ. A prospective, open-labeled clinical trial was done at the Columbia University Headache Center with an aim to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of external trigeminal nerve stimulation (e-TNS) through a transcutaneous supraorbital stimulator for the acute treatment of migraine.
A total of 30 participants who were suffering from acute migraine problems with or without aura were included in the study. The patients were given a one-hour session of e-TNS. Pain intensity was calculated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before the treatment, after one hour of the treatment and at two hours after treatment start. Rescue migraine medication consumption was noted at 2 and 24 hours.
Significant reduction in mean pain intensity was noted
after the one-hour (57.1%) and two hours (52.8%) of e-TNS treatment. Within the
two-hour observation period, none of the patients took rescue medication. 34.6%
of patients took rescue medication within the 24-hour follow-up. The study
reported no adverse events or subjective complaints.
Neuromodulation. 2017 Jun 5.
External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation for the Acute Treatment of Migraine: Open-Label Trial on Safety and Efficacy
Chou DE et al.
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