Controlling Migraine - with an App?

The amazing thing is that this non-invasive, non-drug device is getting results similar to migraine drugs you already know.

You might have heard of the new migraine-fighting device, Nerivio (formerly Nerivio Migra). If you're looking for ways to stop your migraine symptoms, you're going to want to know the basics.

What is Nerivio (the science)?

Nerivio is a neuromodulation device. Riding on over 50 years of medical research, Nerivio uses electricity to change the way nerves in your body respond to pain.

The innovation in this case is that you're not putting some device on your head (which may be pretty uncomfortable during a migraine attack). Instead, the neuromodulation on your arm can actually decrease the headache pain (and other symptoms of migraine). Read more here: A "Smart" Non-Drug Arm Patch to Fight Migraine

The Device

The actual device is tech that you place on your upper arm during a migraine attack (in the early stages of headache, or just before if you're experiencing aura). The patch is held in place with an arm band.

The device connects to your smartphone using Bluetooth. You use your smartphone to choose the intensity of Nerivio (it should not be painful/uncomfortable, but you will feel it).

A typical treatment takes 45 minutes, but after it's set up you can continue with normal activities - there's nothing else that you need to do.

Unique Benefits of Nerivio

If you're familiar with other migraine devices, you'll be interested to see how Nerivio is different from many others.

The device is used away from the headache zone - much more comfortable/easy to use.
The device is only used for individual headache attacks - it's an abortive, not a preventative. You only use it when needed.
The smartphone app (iOS and Android) also allows you to track symptoms, so that you can directly see improvement as you use the device.
The device is not tiny, but it's also not in the way or obvious. You could easily wear it in most work environments, walk with it, or lie down with it.
You have complete control of the intensity and length of treatment. 45 minutes is what was used in the clinical trials, but everyone is different. It's easy to pause or stop the treatment any time using the app.

Find out more...

Here are a few more resources to help you get started.

First, a quick overview from Dr. Brian Grosberg (video)

An overview, with a video showing how to use the device in detail. You'll also want to see this video with a real live person showing how she uses the device.

If you're 12-17 years old and in the USA, you might still be able to get into a Nerivio clinical trial for your age group.

Finally, check out the official site here: Nerivio.com

Don't Miss These Articles...

A few recent topics at Headache and Migraine News that I hope you'll find helpful:

Cannabis, Alcohol, and Sleep
A Green Lamp for Migraine?
Phases of Migraine (podcast) (yes, a podcast! I would love to hear your feedback on this one.)
Tulsi Tea for Migraine

Say what?! Neuromodulation

Neuromodulation can use electrical impulses as a treatement - but it can also deliver drugs. Here's some helpful information from the International Neuromodulation Society:
Neuromodulation is technology that acts directly upon nerves. It is the alteration—or modulation—of nerve activity by delivering electrical or pharmaceutical agents directly to a target area.
Neuromodulation devices and treatments are life changing. They affect every area of the body and treat nearly every disease or symptom from headaches to tremors to spinal cord damage to urinary incontinence... [read more in this Neuromodulation FAQ]

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