taVNS for Migraine

Migraine is not an "ordinary" headache but the expression of an over-excitable, sensitive nervous system. Stimuli are filtered less well, pain- and processing pathways over-react, and the autonomic nervous system loses its balance. Brainstem structures and networks that regulate sensory processing and stress are involved, among others.

This over-excitability is exactly what taVNS addresses. How sensory processing and distress are linked is described in our overview of the six brain networks.

The vagus nerve is the body’s most important "rest" nerve. One of its branches runs just beneath the skin of the outer ear. In taVNS, a small electrode at the ear delivers gentle electrical pulses that stimulate this branch, felt as a mild tingling, not painful. The goal is to shift the autonomic nervous system towards calm (the parasympathetic side) and reduce over-excitability.

More about the method on the taVNS page. With us the basis is always prior diagnostics.

In migraine, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can also play a role: using a very weak current, it modulates the excitability of specific cortical areas, such as pain or visual processing. taVNS and tDCS act at different points, the autonomic system and the cortex, and can complement each other within a coordinated programme. Which combination makes sense depends on your measured profile.

For vagus nerve stimulation in migraine and headache there is a growing, cautiously positive body of evidence; in acute attacks and in prevention, effects are seen in a subset of people. The evidence, however, is not yet as robust as for established migraine medications. How strongly you respond is individual, which is why we measure before and after.

With us, taVNS is a complementary, well-tolerated building block, often attractive for people who want to reduce medication or tolerate it poorly. The evidence in detail is under Science & Studies.

After the assessment, the electrode is placed at the ear; a session is relaxed and painless. taVNS is considered very safe; occasionally mild local skin irritation or a tingling occurs. No anaesthesia is needed and you are fit for daily life immediately. For certain heart-rhythm conditions or implants, we check suitability beforehand. Whether taVNS fits your findings is something we clarify in the free initial consultation.

More about the condition and our approach on the Migraine page. For a first impression, try the Brain Network Analysis, orientation, not a diagnosis.