What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation?

A New Frontier in Migraine and Headache Relief

For those living with chronic migraines or cluster headaches, finding relief can often feel like navigating a maze of medications, therapies, and trial-and-error approaches. At Headway Physical Therapy, we're committed to offering innovative, evidence-based treatments that provide real, lasting relief. One such breakthrough is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS).

What Is the Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve is one of the longest and most complex nerves in the body, running from the brainstem down to the abdomen. It plays a key role in regulating vital functions such as heart rate, digestion, and inflammation via our body's parasympathetic nervous system (aka the "rest and digest" system). It also has a direct connection to how we experience pain. When stimulated, the vagus nerve can help "reset" certain neurological patterns associated with chronic headaches and migraines.

What Is Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)?

Vagus nerve stimulation involves sending mild electrical impulses to the vagus nerve to influence brain activity and reduce pain signals. When stimulated, the vagus nerve negates the effects of our sympathetic nervous system (aka our "fight or flight" system) which is often over active in people who suffer from migraines, cluster headaches, and chronic pain. Traditionally, VNS required surgical implantation of a device, which made it less accessible for many patients, however, new devices became available on the market that provide non-invasive stimulation to the vagus nerve.

Headway PT specifically uses gammaCore Sapphire, which is a non-invasive, handheld device that allows patients to stimulate the vagus nerve safely and effectively from the comfort of home or in our clinic - no surgery required. While a few chiropractic offices and neurology clinics have access to gammaCore, Headway PT is the only physical therapy clinic in the Downtown Raleigh area with access to this device.

How does the gammaCore Saphhire VNS device work?

gammaCore is a small, portable device that you hold against your neck to deliver gentle electrical pulses to the vagus nerve. Each session takes just a few minutes and can be used:

• At the onset of a migraine or cluster headache

• As a preventive treatment, based on a regular schedule recommended by your healthcare provider

  
  

The treatment is easy to administer and is well-tolerated by most patients. It’s a drug-free option that can be used alongside other treatments or, in some cases, help reduce reliance on medications.

Check out this gammaCore video to learn more about how this device is used:

Why Choose gammaCore for Headache Disorders?

gammaCore is the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive VNS device specifically approved for the acute treatment and prevention of migraine and episodic cluster headaches. Clinical studies have shown that gammaCore can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, and many of our patients report experiencing fewer side effects compared to traditional medications.

Benefits of gammaCore include:

• Drug-free and non-invasive

• Safe for long-term use

• Portable and user-friendly

• Can be used at home or in clinical settings

• Suitable for both prevention and acute treatment

• Has shown promising effects for the treatment of other common co-morbities such as anxiety and depression

Is VNS Right for You?

If you're struggling with migraines or cluster headaches and haven’t found adequate relief with medications alone, or you're looking to reduce medication use, gammaCore might be a great option for you.

At our clinic, we offer consultations to evaluate whether treatment with physical therapy is appropriate for your specific condition. Our team will guide you through our holistic care process and tailor a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.

Ready to explore vagus nerve stimulation? Contact our clinic today to schedule a consultation - you owe it to yourself to make headway towards a higher quality of life!