Analgesic efficacy of a portable, disposable, and self‐applied transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device during migraine attacks: A real‐life randomized controlled trial

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of a portable, disposable, and home self‐applied transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device during migraine attacks. Background TENS has been used as a noninvasive treatment for migraine, but there are no reports on the outcomes following use of this treatment option for use at home during migraine attacks. Design and Methods A double‐blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted over 3 months, with monthly assessments. Active placebos (sham group) were in place and were allocated at a 1:1 ratio. Adult patients who had been diagnosed with migraine by a specialist were included. Pain intensity levels and functional disability were measured before and after the 20‐min self‐applied TENS intervention during the migraine attacks. Results Seventy‐four participants were randomly allocated to the sham and intervention groups. Although both groups of subjects reported lower pain scores, the intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction in pain scores compared to the sham group. Conclusion In our controlled trial, the use of a self‐applied, TENS device is safe and effective in relieving pain associated with migraine attacks. Participants in the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in pain and functional disability scores. TENS has been used as a noninvasive treatment for migraine, but there are no reports on the outcomes following use of this treatment option for use at home during migraine attacks. This double‐blind, randomized controlled trial had 2 groups: active‐placebo and intervention. Seventy‐four participants were randomly allocated. Participants in the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in pain and functional disability scores.