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Outcomes of transcutaneous nerve stimulation for migraine headaches: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Abstract

Background

Implanted and transcutaneous nerve stimulators have shown promise as novel non-pharmacologic treatment for episodic and chronic migraines. The purpose of this study was to summarize the reported efficacy of transcutaneous single nerve stimulators in management of migraine frequency and severity.

Methods

A systematic review of five databases identified studies treating migraines with transcutaneous stimulation of a single nerve. Random effects model meta-analyses were conducted to establish the effect of preventive transcutaneous nerve stimulation on headache days per month and 0–10 numeric rating scale pain severity of headaches for both individuals with episodic and chronic migraines.

Results

Fourteen studies, which treated 995 patients, met inclusion criteria, including 7 randomized controlled trials and 7 uncontrolled clinical trials. Transcutaneous nerve stimulators reduced headache frequency in episodic migraines (2.81 fewer headache days per month, 95% CI 2.18–3.43, I2 = 21%) and chronic migraines (2.97 fewer headache days per month, 95% CI 1.66–4.28, I2 = 0%). Transcutaneous nerve stimulators reduced headache severity in episodic headaches (2.23 fewer pain scale points, 95% CI 1.64–2.81, I2 = 88%).

Conclusions

Preventive use of transcutaneous nerve stimulators provided clinically significant reductions in headache frequency in individuals with chronic or episodic migraines. Individuals with episodic migraines also experienced a reduction in headache pain severity following preventive transcutaneous nerve stimulation.

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The authors did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA

    Adam G. Evans, Christopher L. Kalmar, Patrick E. Assi & Salam Al Kassis

  2. Wake Forest University, 1834 Wake Forest Road, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA

    Abigail N. Horrar

  3. School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr DB Todd Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA

    Maryo M. Ibrahim & Brady L. Burns

  4. Department of Neurology, Nashville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1310 24th Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA

    Krista N. Brooks-Horrar

  5. Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA

    Tigran Kesayan

  6. Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA

    Tigran Kesayan

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  1. Adam G. Evans
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Correspondence to Adam G. Evans.

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Evans, A.G., Horrar, A.N., Ibrahim, M.M. et al. Outcomes of transcutaneous nerve stimulation for migraine headaches: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurol 269, 4021–4029 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-022-11059-1

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