What It's Like to Use Nerivio, the New FDA-Approved Wireless Remote Neuromodulation Armband Device

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on November 08, 2021
Written by Nicklya Harris-Ray
2 min read

Migraines are powerful, painful headaches that can make daily functioning difficult. Those who suffer from migraines may see auras, feel dizzy, or experience tingling of the face before or during one.

Migraine treatments are constantly changing. Traditional medication used to treat these painful headaches include:

  • Triptans, such as Imitrex, Relpax, and Zomig, are the most prescribed option, available as injections, pill form, or nasal spray
  • Antidepressants
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Muscle relaxers

Newer treatments are changing the way doctors approach migraines. Some of these options include: 

  • Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors, which are monoclonal antibodies that obstruct the triggering pathway involved in migraine development
  • Ubrelvy, which is considered a better option for those with a history of stroke or cardiovascular disease because it doesn't constrict blood vessels
  • Medical electronic device treatments like e-TNS, Cefalys, Relivion, and Nerivio, which send magnetic or electrical pulses to different nerves and reduce the intensity and longevity of migraine pain.

Nerivio is a wearable, smartphone-controlled, electronic device that's used to treat migraines. Available as an armband, when worn, the Bluetooth-enabled device sends electrical stimulation to the brain, which signals the release of chemicals that relieve pain.

Painless and medicine-free, Nerivio is FDA-authorized and so far has an almost 70% pain relief success rate. Prescribed usage is for those age 12 and older who experience acute or chronic migraines. 

Nerivio works via neuromodulation  — or the altering of nerve activity via electrical pulses — generated by the device. When a migraine sufferer has one of these strong, painful headaches, they simply put the Nerivio armband on, switch it on, and control it using their smartphone. The device stimulates nerves in the upper arm, sending a message to the area of the brain stem that regulates pain control. This leads to the release of neurotransmitters that aid in pain relief, potentially alleviating the migraine.

With Nerivio, a diary tracks migraine activity, which can be shared with your doctor. Users can begin or end treatment, increase or decrease stimulation intensity, and monitor the duration of treatment with their smartphones.

If you're a migraine sufferer who's eligible to use Nerivio, your healthcare provider can give you a prescription for the device. Nerivio can also be purchased at participating pharmacies or through telemedicine partners of the device's developer, Theranica.