External cranial neurostimulation
For external cranial neurostimulation , an electronic generator is used to generate electrical impulses, which can be used to treat and prevent both migraines and headaches , but can also be used for relaxation . It is worn on the forehead and rests on the side of the ear like glasses by means of brackets (e.g. neurostimulator Cefaly).
Neurostimulation is external; unlike internal neurostimulators , the device does not need to be implanted. An electrical micro-impulse can stimulate nerve fibers and thus trigger electrical excitations in the form of action potentials . Either the nerve fibers of the ophthalmic nerve (first main branch of the trigeminal nerve ) are stimulated with the help of a supraorbitally attached surface electrode or the nerve fibers of the large occipital nerve ( greater occipital nerve ) with an occipitally attached electrode.
An independent review of the effect is pending , previous studies are industry-sponsored with positive results for migraine treatment and relaxation. The neurostimulator has not yet been recognized as a reimbursable aid in Germany . In 2013 it is not found in any medical guidelines as a treatment option.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ J. Schoenen, B. Vandersmissen, S. Jeangette, L. Herroelen, M. Vandenheede, P. Gérard, D. Magis: Migraine prevention with a supraorbital transcutaneous stimulator: A randomized controlled trial. In: Neurology. 2013; 80, pp. 697-704. PMID 23390177
- ↑ M. Piquet, C. Balestra, SL Sava, J. Schoenen: Supraorbital transcutaneous neurostimulation has sedative effects in healthy subjects. In: BMC Neurol 2011 Oct 28; 11, p. 135. doi: 10.1186 / 1471-2377-11-135 . PMID 22035386