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
In December 2019, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidance on the use of gammaCore for cluster headache.
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.
