"Migraine is a mechanism that is built into the human brain. We all possess it, and it becomes active by an efficient build-up of its triggers," said David Buchholz, associate professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University and author of a self-help guide, Heal Your Headache. Migraine triggers include stress, hormones, weather changes, sleep, certain foods (a long list that includes caffeine, nuts, alcohol, vinegar and processed meats) and acid reflux drugs.
"You can tolerate those triggers to a point," Buchholz said. "But once those triggers rise above the threshold, migraine becomes activated and symptoms occur."
The result is the swelling of blood vessels outside the brain (which causes the pain) and the constriction of blood vessels inside the brain (causing the aura). "The degree of symptoms depends on how high above the threshold your triggers are," Buchholz said.
Some medicines can make matters worse. They relieve the pain, but can lower a person's migraine threshold. Others can cause dizziness, hair loss, increased appetite, constipation and tremors.
"I used to have migraines and some medicines made me sicker than the headache," the Jefferson's Silberstein said. "This is a nondrug treatment for bad headaches. That's why it's important."
But Buchholz says that migraine sufferers should first try to prevent the condition by targeting many of its factors: relieve stress, get sufficient sleep and avoid dietary trigger foods and certain medicines.
"The bottom line from my perspective is that it's best to prevent it rather than to walk around with some expensive hardware to zap yourself every time you get an aura," he said.
Fischell said he recognizes that his device isn't for everyone.
"One idea we do have is that you use it for three months and if it does not work, they can return it at a nominal fee - just the cost to refurbish it. If it works, use it. If not, go back to using the drugs."
