Transcutaneous stimulation of the cervical branch of the vagus nerve for cluster headache and migraine

The procedure

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation uses electrical current from a small handheld device to stimulate a nerve in the neck. The aim is to relieve pain and reduce the number of cluster headache or migraine attacks.

The person places the device, which is the size of a mobile phone, on the side of their neck. The level of stimulation is increased slowly until small muscle contractions are felt under the skin. The device is then held in position for about 90 seconds. It can be used to treat attacks, and between attacks to try to reduce the number of attacks.