Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) as symptomatic treatment of migraine in young patients: a preliminary safety study

Neurol Sci. 2017 May;38(Suppl 1):197-199. doi: 10.1007/s10072-017-2942-5.

Abstract

Recent clinical experiences and clinical trials have demonstrated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS; gammaCore®) for the acute and prophylactic treatment of migraine. nVNS has a favorable adverse event profile, making it an attractive option for sensitive patient populations. We explored the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of nVNS as acute migraine treatment in adolescents. A group of adolescent patients suffering from migraine without aura were trained to use gammaCore to manage their migraine attacks. 46.8% of the treated migraine attacks (22/47) were considered successfully treated and did not require any rescue medication. No device-related adverse events were recorded. This preliminary study suggests that nVNS may represent a safe, well-tolerated, and effective for acute migraine treatment in adolescents.

Keywords: Migraine without aura; Symptomatic treatment; Young age; gammaCore device; nVNS approach.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnosis
  • Migraine Disorders / therapy*
  • Patient Safety*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation / adverse effects
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation / methods*