Treating Migraines with Devices

Today's New York Times has an extensive article on the use of electrical stimulation for treatment of migraine headaches. Drug therapy has proven unsatisfactory for many patients, so at least four companies are conducting trials on device-centric approaches. There are two methods being looked at: occipital nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation. The former involves a pacemaker-like implant connecting electrodes placed toward the back of the head and delivering stimulation.

November 7, 2006

1 Min Read
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The latter involves an external device placed on the back of the head that delivers brief pulses. Not surprisingly, the implant solution is being looked at by three big companies (Boston Scientific's Advanced Bionics, St. Jude Medical's Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, and Medtronic) and the external-device solution is being looked at by a small one (Neuralieve of Sunnyvale, CA).

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