A Device for Treating Migraines Invented in Israel

Migraine is one of the most common and insidious diseases that can not only worsen a person's quality of life but also completely incapacitate them. For many years, scientists have been trying to find a way to help such people effectively cope with episodes of unbearable pain. And, apparently, they have succeeded. Israeli developers have created a portable device for non-invasive neuromodulation at home, which effectively alleviates migraine pain.

This is a development by the Israeli company Neurolief – a device called Relivion. Last week, it received approval from the European Medicines Agency and will soon be available for purchase in any European pharmacy.

The device runs on batteries and has the shape of a headband that can be easily adjusted to different head sizes. On its inner side – the one that comes into contact with the skin – there are several electrodes. They generate low-power electrical impulses that stimulate several branches of the occipital and trigeminal nerves, suppressing pain signals. For the patient, the treatment is completely painless.

The device is controlled through a special mobile application. With its help, a person can adjust the power and type of electrical stimulation. Each electrode can be individually configured, creating a personalized treatment program. The developers assure that the application gradually "remembers" the optimal option and then automatically adjusts to the required operating mode.

Relivion has become the first device for non-invasive neuromodulation treatment that can also be used at home. All previous methods using the principle of electrical stimulation of the nervous system required surgical implantation of electrodes under the skin. The device created by the Israelis allows avoiding costs associated with invasive procedures, as well as their potential complications and side effects from potent medications.

The approval by European regulatory authorities was preceded by a large clinical study that demonstrated the high efficacy and absolute safety of Relivion in treating migraine pain. About 80% of its participants reported significant relief from pain within two hours of use, with no side effects recorded.

The device will be available over the counter, but only in Europe for now. When it will be available for sale in other countries is still unknown. The preliminary cost is about $500.

Neurolief assures that future generations of the device will use artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to collect and analyze data from thousands of people suffering from migraines. This will allow the development of the most effective programs for alleviating attacks and relieving pain syndrome.

What is Migraine?

Migraine is a chronic condition characterized primarily by intense pulsating headaches. It can worsen with physical activity and is often accompanied by light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and vomiting. The pain usually affects only one hemisphere or part of it. This is presumably related to the narrowing of blood vessels, which causes insufficient blood supply to certain areas of the brain.

Migraine typically affects individuals aged 10 to 40, with women experiencing it three times more often than men. There is evidence suggesting a hereditary nature of the disease: every second person has close relatives with the same diagnosis. Attacks are periodic; they can occur daily or once every few weeks or even months. Their intensity decreases by the age of 50.

It has been established that chronic stress, fatigue, insufficient or excessive sleep, alcohol consumption, especially sparkling wines, caffeinated beverages, as well as hard cheeses, nuts, and chocolate can provoke migraines.