JFK Neuroscience Institute uses nerve stimulator to relieve patients' migraines

The JFK Neuroscience Institute in Edison is working with new technology to provide relief for migraine sufferers.
The external vagal nerve stimulator stimulates the vagal nerve, which is a direct connection to the trigeminal nerve. Dr. Gary Miller says the trigeminal nerve system is a significant factor that leads to migraines.
The device has two stimulators and is applied to the patient's neck, where their carotid artery is. It is then set to a voltage that works for the patient.
The treatment takes just two minutes and is done two times in a row.
Ivette Chapman, of Hillside, says she has suffered from migraines for years and medications would make her sleep for hours on end.
She says that 25 minutes after undergoing the treatment, a throbbing migraine was "very, very well diminished."
"To me--I know it's going to make a huge difference in my life," Chapman said.
Miller says JFK Neuroscience Institute has about 60 patients currently using the device for numerous different reasons.
The JFK Neuroscience Institute says the device is safe for almost every patient, except for women who are pregnant.