A small, implanted device holds the power to reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines for many European patients

St. Jude’s Device

St. Jude’s Medical has been hard at work trying to get their revolutionary new device approved all over the world. The device is a small, electronic implant that wipes out migraines.

Migraines have been described as headaches with moderate to severe pain, often including a sensitivity to light and sound, along with occasional temporary blindness which can plague the hardest of days. During an episode, many patients are disabled the entire day, barely able to get out of bed, to eat, or to communicate at all. Many patients suffer headaches for several or more hours per day, sometimes several times a week, for years without avail.

Migraines affect roughly 18% of women and 8% of men and have made the list of the top 20 most disabling illnesses in the world. Migraines are quite commonly misdiagnosed, as 50% of current migraine sufferers have yet to receive a proper diagnosis. There is no existing cure for migraines, only medications and procedures that simply target the symptoms. Many patients, like those who suffer migraines more than 15 times a month for more than 4 hours each, might be candidates for this new implant device.

The Eon Mini Device is about the size of a Men’s Wrist Watch

The device uses Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, or PNS, to stimulate the optical nerves with electronic impulses, efficiently cutting down on the severity and frequency of the migraines. Alternatively, the device may be used to target the sciatic nerve or the ulnar nerve to potentially treat other neurological conditions like sciatica,which are part of the peripheral nerve system.

The device, roughly the size of a man’s wrist watch, can be implanted through a small incision in the back or shoulder of the patient. With small wires leading to the desired nerves, electronic impulses travel from the controller to the affected area with the click of a button. The controller allows the patient to turn the device on and off, adjust the power levels, and access pain presets. Additionally, the doctor can program the device to meet the customized needs of each patient and can adjust the device at any time. Training with a temporary device is typically required to make sure the patient fully understands their pain and the stimulation levels to ensure optimum results and to ensure that they are using the device safely.

Ultimately, the device will improve the quality of life of its patients, giving them the ability to keep up with the pace of life and to keep a better handle on work, family, and wellness. It will also end up costing patients much less money over time, since prescription costs, future procedures, and missed days at work will likely be kept to a minimum. This device will ultimately nip these migraines in the bud without the need for potentially dangerous and addictive medications and without unnecessary quiet time with the shades drawn low.

How the Eon Mini device stimulates the optical nerve

In the United States, it has yet to begin the process toward FDA approval.  The device is, however, being used in Europe with great success. In trials, 65% of patients reported good or excellent headache relief after one year, 67% reported the device improved their quality of life, and 88% said they would recommend the procedure to someone else. With rates so astonishing, it is encouraging news for potential FDA approval into the American market in the near future.

For more information about the Eon Mini Peripheral Nerve Stimulation device, visit St. Jude’s Device Medical