5 Types of Vagus Nerve Devices That May Help With Pain

That migraine that won't quit despite three different medications? Or the chronic back pain that makes even simple tasks feel impossible? When traditional treatments fall short, some people are turning to vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices. Research suggests these devices may help activate your vagus nerve's natural pain-fighting pathways¹. These devices range from surgical implants for severe medical problems to wearable consumer products that work through your skin or ear.

What Types of Vagus Nerve Devices Are Available for Pain?

Vagus nerve devices fall into two main groups. Each works in a different way and serves different needs.

Surgical devices need surgery to put electrodes right on the vagus nerve. Doctors save these for severe problems where other treatments have failed. The traditional VNS implant system is FDA-approved for some epilepsy and depression cases.

Non-surgical devices work on the vagus nerve through your skin without surgery. They target nerve branches in your neck or ear using pads placed on the surface. This approach is safer and easier to get for most people.

The key difference? Implanted devices give stronger, more direct pulses but carry surgery risks. Non-surgical devices are gentler and can be stopped but may give more subtle effects.

How Do FDA-Approved VNS Devices Work for Pain?

Two types of vagus nerve devices currently have FDA approval for specific pain problems.

GammaCore is FDA-approved for cluster headaches and migraine prevention. It's a handheld device you hold against your neck for 2-minute sessions. Research shows it can give headache relief within 30-60 minutes for some users¹.

Implanted VNS systems are FDA-approved for hard-to-treat epilepsy and some cases of depression. While not approved specifically for pain, some patients report pain relief as a bonus. These need surgical placement and are only used when other treatments haven't worked.

Both work by sending electrical pulses to the vagus nerve. This nerve connects to brain areas that handle pain signals. Think of your vagus nerve like a volume control for pain signals traveling between your body and brain. Research suggests VNS may help reduce the intensity of pain signals, making them less intense when they reach your brain.

What Consumer VNS Devices Are Available?

Several consumer devices use vagus nerve stimulation for general wellness. This includes possible pain support. These aren't FDA-approved for treating medical problems. But many people use them as part of their overall wellness routine.

Ear-clip devices like Pulsetto attach to your ear. They give gentle electrical pulses to vagus nerve branches in the ear canal. Most sessions last 20-30 minutes. You can use them while relaxing or doing other activities.

TENS-based devices use nerve stimulation technology. Some put electrodes into headsets or handheld units that you place on your neck or ear.

Handheld devices similar to gammaCore are available without a prescription. These usually use lower intensity settings than medical-grade devices.

The proof for these consumer devices is still growing. Many claims are based on early research rather than large clinical trials. Talk to your doctor before using any device for long-term pain problems.

How Well Do VNS Devices Work for Different Types of Pain?

Research on vagus nerve stimulation for pain looks promising but is still early. Different devices show different results.

Headache relief has the strongest proof. Studies on gammaCore show some migraine sufferers get relief within an hour of use². The International Headache Society now includes non-surgical devices in their treatment guidelines².

Post-surgery pain shows interesting potential. The NSS-2 BRIDGE Device is a small temporary implant placed behind the ear for short-term use after surgery. This device differs from other VNS devices by providing continuous stimulation for several days rather than session-based treatment. In clinical studies, it cut opioid use by 60-75% in patients. Patients also saw pain scores drop by 28-41% within 24 hours of starting treatment.

Long-term pain problems have mixed results. Some veterans with ongoing post-traumatic headaches found relief using gammaCore. This was especially true when combined with mood treatment³. But more research is needed to understand which long-term pain problems respond best.

Here's the thing: individual responses vary widely. What works for one person's migraines might not help another's back pain. The vagus nerve affects pain perception differently. This depends on the type and location of pain.

How Much Do VNS Devices Cost and Do I Need a Prescription?

Costs and prescription needs vary a lot between device types.

FDA-approved medical devices like gammaCore usually need a prescription. They can cost $500-2000. Insurance may cover these for approved problems like cluster headaches. Implanted VNS systems cost $10,000-30,000 including surgery. But insurance usually covers them for approved medical problems.

Consumer wellness devices range from $200-800. They don't need prescriptions. But insurance won't cover these since they're not FDA-approved for medical treatment. When to Use Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Maximum Calm can help you understand if these devices might fit your wellness routine.

Rental options exist for some devices. GammaCore offers monthly rental programs. These can be more affordable than buying if you're trying it for the first time.

Before spending money on any device, consider starting with free vagus nerve techniques. Try deep breathing exercises, humming, or gargling. Try each technique for 2-3 minutes daily for one week. If you notice any reduction in pain intensity or improved pain coping, VNS devices may be worth considering.