Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (TNS): A Non-Invasive Treatment for Migraines and More
What Is Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation?
Trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses mild electrical signals to stimulate branches of the trigeminal nerve. This nerve transmits sensory inputs from the face to the brain and has three main branches, known as V1, V2, and V3.
How Does Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation Work?
Research suggests that TNS sends electrical impulses to the trigeminal nerve to modify pain transmission to the brain. Experimental research also indicates that this may affect metabolic activity in areas of the brain that process pain, which could impact the experience of pain.
What Conditions Can TNS Treat?
TNS has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including:
- Migraine
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children
- Cognitive/balance dysfunction
- Major depressive disorder
Approved Devices
The following devices are approved for TNS treatment:
- Cefaly: A device approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults 18 and older to treat and prevent migraine headaches.
- Relivion: A device used externally to stimulate the trigeminal and occipital nerves, available with limited access for acute migraine treatment, and being investigated in research trials to treat major depressive disorder.
- Monarch: The external Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS) System, FDA-approved to treat ADHD in patients ages 7 to 12 years old who are not currently taking prescription ADHD medication.
How Do You Use TNS Devices?
TNS devices are placed on the forehead for a specified amount of time. It is essential to discuss these treatments with a neurologist or other healthcare provider to determine if they are a good choice for your specific condition.
Do I Need a Prescription to Use TNS Devices?
You do not need a prescription to obtain a Cefaly device, but you do need a prescription to obtain a Relivion or Monarch device.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the trigeminal nerve?
The trigeminal nerve is a pair of cranial nerves that transmit sensory inputs from the face to the brain. - How does TNS work?
TNS sends electrical impulses to the trigeminal nerve to modify pain transmission to the brain. - What conditions can TNS treat?
TNS has been used to treat various health conditions, including migraine, ADHD, cognitive/balance dysfunction, and major depressive disorder. - Do I need a prescription to use TNS devices?
You do not need a prescription to obtain a Cefaly device, but you do need a prescription to obtain a Relivion or Monarch device.
Sources
- Powell K, Lin K, Tambo W, et al. Trigeminal nerve stimulation: a current state-of-the-art review. Bioelectron Med. 2023;9(1):30. doi:10.1186/s42234-023-00128-z
- Urculo E, Elua A, Arrazola M, Torres P, Torres S, Undabeitia J. Trigeminal root massage in microsurgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia patients without arterial compression: when, how and why. Neurosurgery (Asturian: Engl Ed). 2020;31(2):53-63. doi:10.1016/j.neucir.2019.07.003
- Chou DE, Shnayderman Yugrakh M, Winegarner D, Rowe V, Kuruvilla D, Schoenen J. Acute migraine therapy with external trigeminal neurostimulation (ACME): a randomized controlled trial. Cephalalgia. 2019;39(1):3-14. doi:10.1177/0333102418811573
Please note that this is a rewritten article, and I have removed any extra information or introductory text. The article is now organized with appropriate headings and subheadings, and a conclusion and FAQs section are included at the end.
