Nerivio’s Mechanism of Action (MOA)
The human brain has the power to turn off pain through an internal pain management mechanism called conditioned pain modulation (CPM). When CPM is activated, the body releases chemicals called neurotransmitters to reduce or even eliminate pain. Research has shown that patients who suffer from migraine have a deficiency in CPM response. Essentially, the CPM mechanism does not activate when it should. (Source)
During treatment with Nerivio, nerves in the upper arm are stimulated through Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN). These nerves carry signals to the brain to activate CPM. Once activated, CPM works with the body to naturally relieve or turn off migraine pain without the need for medications.
Nerivio stimulates nerve fibers in the upper arm.
Stimulation of these fibers sends messages to the pain regulation centers in the brainstem.
The brainstem activates CPM, which activates the descending pain inhibitory pathways.
Descending inhibitory signals travel to the trigeminal cervical complex, where serotonin and norepinephrine are released.
Nerivio’s activation of the body’s internal pain inhibition system has a global impact on pain.
What’s the difference between Nerivio and a TENS device?
Nerivio uses Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN), a novel mechanism of action with distinct differences from Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS).
Nerivio works from a remote location to the source of pain by sending messages via the nerves from the upper arm up to the brain to treat the migraine. Nerivio is specifically designed for migraine relief.
TENS devices work at the site of pain, meaning in the area where you put them on. TENS units can be applied to any body part for broad pain relief.
Does the body build tolerance to Nerivio?
There were no cases of developing tolerance to Nerivio. During treatment, some patients might feel that the intensity has become weaker. If it does, simply increase the intensity until it is again intense but not painful. A study has shown that patients who use Nerivio regularly for over one year gain stable efficacy throughout the year, making Nerivio an advantageous non-drug option for long term management of migraine (Synowiec et al., Advances in Therapy, 2023).