Can Nerve Stimulation Bring Migraine Relief

Migraines can be one of the most debilitating and frustrating experiences around. They can strike at any time, often for seemingly no reason, leaving you unable to perform normal tasks until the symptoms past. People with chronic migraines may even have them multiple times a week. And although the vast majority of migraine sufferers find relief with medication and lifestyle changes, some people have migraines despite getting medical treatment. For such people, nerve stimulation for migraine relief can help.

About Migraines

Migraines are a recurring type of headache that can cause pain, nausea, sensitivityto light and sound, and other symptoms. They usually occur on just one side of the head. The causes of migraines are unknown, although many patients find that their migraines can be brought on by stress or eating certain foods. Obese people are also at an increased risk. Traditional treatments include:

• Avoiding triggering foods
• Keeping stress to a minimum
• Taking prophylactic medications to prevent migraines from occuring
• Taking pain medications to relieve symptoms
• Managing symptoms by resting and keeping the lights and sound low during a migraine

Nerve Stimulation for Migraine Relief

Some people continue to have migraines despite trying multiple medications and adopting all of the recommended lifestyle changes. For these people, nerve stimulation may provide much-needed relief.

Pain occurs because of nerve signals sent to the brain. Nerve stimulation interrupts the perception of pain by interrupting the nerve signals. During this treatment, a transmitter is implanted into the abdomen, with leads going to the appropriate part of the spine. Each day, you'll use the stimulator to send electrical currents through the nerves, which interrupts the perception of pain.

Who is a Candidate?

Many people with chronic migraines can benefit from nerve stimulation, but it's important that patients be screened prior to receiving this treatment. Nerve stimulation is safe but not without risks, so it's only used as a last resort in patients who understand and accept those risks.

Your doctor can give you more information about nerve stimulation, and help you to determine whether or not it's right for you. To schedule a consultation about whether or not nerve stimulation for migraine relief is right for you, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.