A Patch To Tame Migraines
If you’re one of the millions of migraine sufferers in the country, chances are you’re always on the lookout for a solution that will make them better. For many people, simply cutting out certain migraine triggering foods like cheese and wine or relying on a specific medication, isn’t enough.
Maybe you’ve gone through several medications and never noticed a difference or the relief you experienced was short lived. Whatever your unique experience with migraines, it’s highly likely you’re looking for relief.
Enter a new remote electrical stimulation patch that’s being tested in Israel. This portable medical device has been proven to treat migraines as well as triptan prescription medications. The patch is attached to the upper arm and works by preventing the pain signal from reaching the brain.
In the study participants put the arm patch on as soon as they felt a migraine coming on and kept it on for 20 minutes. They could then increase the intensity using a smartphone app. This treatment is fast, effective, and pain free. Patients only feel a slight tingle in their arm. The study also indicated that placing the patch after 20 minutes decreases its efficacy by around 20%.
Because this study was blind, participants did not know if they were getting the real device or the placebo device. However, those with the placebo did not report near the amount of relief that those who had the actual patch did.
What are the advantages of this patch?
The biggest advantage of this patch is the fact that it does not have side effects like drugs. Typical triptan side effects include chest pain, tightness in the chest, dizziness, and nausea. With the patch you simply feel a slight tingling sensation in your arm.
When will this patch be available?
Unfortunately, this patch is still being tested, however, a larger study is in the works and the developers are hopeful that within a few years they will have a working device that will help the millions of sufferers.
What can I do about my migraines right now?
There are several options available to treat migraines. Triptan drugs, as mentioned earlier, can help many people, although not all people respond to them. It’s also important that you examine what might trigger your migraines and try to eliminate those triggers. For many it’s a specific smell or food. There are also over the counter patches that emit a cooling effect. Some people say this works for them, while it does nothing for others.
Finally, get in touch with our office and talk to Dr. Nguyen. She can help determine what is causing your migraines and develop a treatment plan that works for you. It might include medication or simple home remedies that she’s found effective.
