If you live with migraine pain, you’ve probably tried your fair share of solutions—prescription meds, dark rooms, ice packs, essential oils, and everything in between. But when headaches keep coming back and pain relief feels just out of reach, many people turn to migraine devices for help. These small, often portable tools use science-backed technology to prevent or treat migraine attacks without medication.
Not sure where to start? Let’s break down the different types of migraine devices, how they work, and what to consider when choosing one that’s right for you.
What Are Migraine Devices?
Migraine devices are typically non-invasive medical tools designed to help reduce the frequency, intensity, or duration of migraine attacks. They typically work by stimulating certain nerves or brain pathways involved in migraines. Think of them as high-tech ways to retrain your body’s response to pain. Some devices are used regularly to help prevent migraines, while others are used at the onset of a migraine to stop it in its tracks.
Types of Migraine Devices
Here’s a quick overview of the most common categories of migraine devices.
- External Nerve Stimulators
These devices send gentle electrical impulses to specific nerves that are involved in migraine attacks.
- Forehead (Trigeminal Nerve) Stimulators: These are usually worn on the forehead and stimulate the trigeminal nerve. People often use these devices daily as a preventative measure.
- Neck/Cervical (Vagus Nerve) Stimulators: These devices target the vagus nerve in the neck. They can be used preventively or at the onset of pain.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulators (TMS)
These devices deliver magnetic pulses to the brain and are designed to interrupt migraine activity. They’re usually held to the back of the head and used during the aura phase or at the start of an attack. TMS is typically prescribed for people who experience migraine with aura.
- Wearable Neuromodulation Bands
These bands are worn on the arm and send electrical pulses through the skin to target nerves that can help stop migraine pain. Some people find them helpful for acute relief, especially when combined with other migraine treatments.
Are Migraine Devices Effective?
Migraine devices are backed by growing research and real-world use. Many people who can’t tolerate migraine medications—or simply want to avoid them—find these devices to be a game-changer. That said, everyone’s body is different. What works well for one person might not work as well for another.
The good news? Most devices are non-invasive, have minimal side effects, and can be used alongside other treatments. Many are also easy to use at home, without the need for in-person appointments.
What Should You Look For?
When considering a migraine device, ask yourself:
- What type of migraines do I get? (With aura, without aura, chronic, episodic, etc.)
- Do I want a preventive tool, an acute treatment, or both?
- How comfortable am I using a wearable device at home or in public?
- Is the device FDA-cleared or recommended by my health care provider?
- Are there any clinical studies to prove safety and efficacy?
Always talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment—especially if you have other medical conditions.
Meet gammaCore: A Proven Non-Drug Option for Migraine Relief
Migraines can be unpredictable and overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone—or unarmed. Migraine devices offer a promising way to take back control of your health with less reliance on medication and more support for your lifestyle.
One device that many people with migraine are turning to is gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS). It’s FDA-cleared to treat and prevent migraine and cluster headaches—and it’s non-invasive, portable, and medication-free.
gammaCore nVNS sends gentle electrical pulses to the vagus nerve through the skin on the side of the neck. These signals help regulate pain pathways in the brain, offering relief without the side effects of traditional medications. It’s an option worth exploring if you’re looking for a science-backed, non-drug solution to better manage your migraines.
To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our clinic finder to locate a health care provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.
