GammaCore for Vestibular Migraine

The past few years have brought us many new treatments from medications like gepants, to neuromodulation devices. Using gammaCore for vestibular migraine has always interested me as an alternative to medication, but like many patients I found it risky due to the expense. 

It wasn’t until I struggled with postpartum vestibular migraine symptoms that I reached out to my neurologist to discuss if this device could be an option for me. After using it for a little over a year, I feel comfortable writing about my journey with you all as a fair and accurate review.

This article was written by gathering input from Dr. Edward Cho at Beverly Hills ENT and Dr. Shin Beh at Beh Center for Vestibular and Migraine Disorders. All opinions about my experience using gammaCore for vestibular migraine are my own and not a substitute for medical advice.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation

For severe conditions like epilepsy and depression, vagus nerve stimulation is used, also known as VNS. In this case, a small device is implanted into your chest, connecting to the nerve. The device then sends electrical signals through your vagus nerve to the brain to calm down irregular activity. 

Vagus nerve stimulation is being studied for being studied for inflammatory bowel disease, cluster headaches, and even PTSD. However, the implanted device is not something that is approved for migraine.

gammaCore is the first FDA cleared nVNS device, where the “n” stands for non-invasive. Nothing is implanted, the device simply stimulates your vagus nerve by sending a similar electrical signal when it’s placed along the neck, just under the chin.

Another positive to using an nVNS device like gammaCore is that although it hasn’t been studied in pregnant patients, many physicians are recommending it as a safe treatment during pregnancy, and especially postpartum with breastfeeding. (like to the AMD video)

I know all too well that it’s difficult to manage a newborn and migraine attacks at the same time. You need to be alert as a parent, but also many medications for acute treatments can cause side effects that make you even more tired. This is where having a device can be helpful. 

The Details

gammaCore has been clinically proven to provide headache relief, as well as acute relief from vestibular migraine symptoms, like vertigo. This is according to a 2019 study done by doctors Beh and Friedman.

1. Prescription Information – The device is prescribed by a healthcare provider. Your neurologist may be a part of their “pilot program” so check with them first for a good deal. If not, you can ask your primary care doctor or other physician to prescribe with this form and then submit it through the gammaCore website using my discount code.
2. Cost – You can try gammaCore for as little as $130 a month for 3 months with the code dizzycook. Check with your insurance to see if they will cover it as well. HSA and FSA accounts can also be used. If this is too expensive, you can look into Truvaga, which has fewer sessions so not as good for someone who needs a lot of acute and preventative uses.
3. Discounts – This is completely free to veteran and military members through the VA. You may also want to see if your physician has a discount.
4. Shipping – The device is shipped to you, and you can schedule a meeting with their team so they show you how to use it. It’s important to do this so you’re using it properly, otherwise you may not see benefits. 

Each refill card from gammaCore comes with 3 months pre-loaded. This is important because, like any treatment for migraine, it takes roughly 3 months of regular use to see if this is a treatment that will work for you. 

My Review of gammaCore for Vestibular Migraine

The main selling point for me with choosing this device over others was that I was experiencing vestibular migraine symptoms along with intense postpartum anxiety. Although it hasn’t been studied for being helpful for this specifically, I thought there might be a connection since stimulating the vagus nerve seems to help regulate that stress response.

As far as acute relief, I noticed a difference immediately in the intensity of symptoms. The dizziness and head pressure didn’t go away, but I felt a little more relief and almost relaxed after my first stimulation.

It took me about two to three months to begin to a notice a large difference, and because I did have a newborn, I wasn’t great about being faithful with using it everyday.

I think I could’ve seen a difference faster if I had been more dedicated. But alas, I was lucky some days if I could remember to drink water. 

After the initial period, I noticed that gammaCore was really effective at aborting vestibular migraine attacks that I felt coming on, or at least bringing down the intensity. 

• A stimulation at the first sign of dizziness.
• Increase my stimulations for the day if my trigger load is high – lots of bad weather, stress, not eating well, or traveling. 
• I try to use 3 times a day, morning and night for preventative use. I used to do 2 times a day, but noticed a lot more relief from nausea increasing to 3 times a day.

gammaCore has actually helped me stay off my migraine preventative medication, even through a really rough postpartum period. Initially I was having attacks every few days, especially with a lack of sleep. After a year of regular use, I only need it acutely fewer than 5 times a month. 

Is nVNS Right For Me?

If you experience a combination of any of the following, I would definitely ask your physician about trying it for 3 months to see if this is a good addition to your current treatment. 

• Anxiety
• Dizziness or vertigo associated with vestibular migraine
• Gut health issues
• Cluster headache

It’s also helpful for people who either need to avoid medication due to side effects or are trying to manage migraine without medication. 

Frequently Asked Questions

These are all things which have been incorporated into my regular routine without even knowing I was increasing my vagal tone!