Shocking migraine away: nerve zap plus stress relief shows promise

NCT ID NCT03592329

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether combining a gentle electrical nerve stimulation device (tVNS) with stress reduction training can ease migraine. Researchers measured brain activity and inflammation in 193 adults with migraine before and after 8 weeks of treatment. The goal was to see if this combo changes how the brain processes pain and reduces migraine attacks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) device and stress reduction training
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug combination therapy for migraine that targets brain pathways and inflammation.
What could go wrong: This is a completed early-stage study with no phase, so results may not confirm effectiveness. The approach combines two interventions, making it hard to know which part helps.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

migraine disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MIGRAINE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Anthinoula A. Martinos Center

Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.