Efficacy of Combining Conventional Physiotherapy for Migraine With Transcutaneous Stimulation of the Auricular Vagal Nerve or Supraorbital Nerve: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract
Background: Migraine is a common and disabling neurological disorder characterized by recurrent headaches and associated symptoms that significantly affect quality of life. Conventional physiotherapy plays a supportive role in migraine management; however, it may not adequately address central sensitization and altered pain modulation. Noninvasive neuromodulation techniques, such as transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) and transcutaneous supraorbital nerve stimulation (t-SNS), have shown potential in modulating central pain pathways and reducing migraine burden.
Objective: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of ta-VNS and t-SNS, each combined with conventional physiotherapy, in reducing pain intensity and migraine frequency in individuals with migraine. Secondary objectives include assessing their effects on migraine disability, neck disability, and cervical range of motion.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial will include individuals clinically diagnosed with migraine. Participants will be randomly allocated into 2 groups: group A will receive ta-VNS along with conventional physiotherapy, and group B will receive t-SNS along with conventional physiotherapy. Both interventions will be administered for a defined treatment period. Outcome measures will be recorded at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and during follow-up periods to evaluate short- and long-term effects.
Results: It is…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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