Non-Invasive vagus nerve stimulation (gammaCore)
A device for treatment of cluster headache
Non-Invasive vagus nerve stimulation (gammaCore)
gammaCore™ is a simple-to-use, handheld medical device that enables patients to self-administer discrete doses of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) therapy. gammaCore is a CE-mark approved, non-medicinal treatment for adults who get cluster headache.
- nVNS therapy has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for the management of cluster headache, in clinical trials
- gammaCore works by sending a mild electrical stimulation through the skin to activate the vagus nerve from outside your body
- Stimulation of the vagus nerve works in several ways to relieve cluster headache
On 22 October 2018, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published a Medtech Innovation Briefing on gammaCore (nVNS) for use in the treatment of cluster headache in adults.
gammaCore Sapphire
gammaCore Sapphire™ is a rechargeable and reloadable version of the product intended for multi-year use. It is activated on a regular (typically every 3 months) basis through the input of a unique, prescription-only authorization code, delivered via a radio-frequency identification, or RFID, card.
The improved design features of gammaCore Sapphire include:
- A sleeker, smaller handheld device that is easy for patients to grip
- Smoother stimulation surfaces for easy placement over the vagus nerve
- Intensity buttons positioned on the side of the device to facilitate therapy adjustments
- A larger, brighter display to communicate status information, even in the dark
gammaCore is only available in the UK following authorisation by a specialist healthcare professional (typically a consultant neurologist and/or their headache team). Please contact your local specialist or GP for a referral.