Headaches & Migraines and the Vagus Nerve Pathogenesis
Idiopathic headaches are characterised by pain not caused by any structural changes in the brain. Chronic headaches and migraines involve tension-type, paroxysmal, cluster, or stabbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. While the exact pathomechanism of chronic headaches and migraines remains unknown, recent studies have highlighted potential links to the vagus nerve. Reduced vagal tone in chronic headaches may be both a cause and a consequence of central nervous system changes. The vagus nerve is also directly associated with the activation of the brainstem, involved in pain signal processing. However, electrical balance in the vagus nerve can be disrupted by factors such as stress, inflammatory reactions, alcohol, muscle tension, and fatigue, potentially exacerbating chronic headaches and migraines, causing:
Fight or Flight Response
Chronic migraine patients had a reduced heart rate variability (HRV), signifying autonomic dysfunction in comparison to healthy controls. HRV, reflects the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is directly regulated by the vagus nerve. Parasympathetic dysfunction is a common feature of both episodic and chronic migraine, broadening the current understanding of the autonomic dysfunction present in the migraine spectrum. Vagus nerve dysfunction may contribute to decreased HRV, which has been observed in migraines and headaches, and leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and changes in blood flow (doi: 10.1177/0333102423120678).
Disrupted Brainstem Interactions
The vagus nerve's interaction with the brainstem is crucial in migraine pathophysiology. The vagus nerve regulates the brainstem, which is housing the trigeminal nucleus responsible for head and facial pain signal processing. During a migraine attack, the trigeminal nerve becomes activated and sensitised, transmitting amplified pain signals to the brainstem. This can be influenced by the impairment of the vagus nerve, which modulates the brainstem's responsiveness to pain signals. Additionally, the phenomenon of cortical spreading depression (CSD) – a wave of electrical activity across the brain's cortex – is linked to brain stem activity and severe migraine pain. Recent studies suggest that impairment of the vagus nerve can influence brainstem responses and exacerbate migraine symptoms (doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000930).
Decreased Serotonin Levels
The raphe nuclei in the brainstem are key regulators of serotonin levels in the brain, a factor closely linked to the occurrence of migraine. The vagus nerve interacts directly with the raphe nuclei to influence serotonin regulation. Impaired vagal function can disrupt serotonin balance, increasing the risk of migraines and headaches. Lower serotonin levels can increase sensitivity to pain perception, stress level and lead to dilation of blood vessels in the brain, contributing to the development of migraine headaches (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189518).
Chronic Inflammation
In individuals with migraines, dysfunction of the vagus nerve can significantly impact its role in controlling inflammation, primarily through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. In migraine sufferers, a notable imbalance in inflammatory mediators is frequently present. Neuroinflammation drives widespread chronic pain via central sensitization, which refers to the heightened sensitivity of the central nervous system to stimulation. When the vagus nerve is impaired, its regulatory capacity over the immune response and inflammation is compromised. This impairment can result in an escalation of inflammatory mediators, which are factors in the development of migraines, particularly in initiating and prolonging migraine episodes (doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000002130).
Regulation of Heart Rate and HRV
Nurosym improves vagal tone in migraine patients, as evidenced by improved heart rate variability (HRV). In patients with chronic migraine, decreased heart rate variability (HRV) indicates autonomic dysfunction. The increased HRV observed during a Nurosym session indicates increased parasympathetic activity, or the "rest and digest" response. Improving vagal tone may normalise HRV, was correlated in migraine symptoms reduction, especially throbbing symptoms, due to vascular regulation and associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
Restoring Disrupted Brainstem Interactions
Nurosym modulates multiple neural mechanisms to elicit antinociceptive effects. By influencing the vagus nerve, Nurosym plays a significant role in migraine treatment by activating the brainstem. The brainstem, crucial in processing pain signals, can reduce the hyperexcitability of the trigeminal nerve, a key element in the development of migraine attacks. Additionally, this modulation extends to affecting cortical spreading depression (CSD), a phenomenon often linked to the intense pain experienced in severe migraine episodes. Consequently, Nurosym's mechanism of action aims at reducing both the frequency and intensity of migraine symptoms.
Balancing Serotonin Levels
Nurosym increases the functionality of the vagus nerve, which is necessary to maintain serotonin levels. Recent research indicates that the vagus nerve is responsible for stabilising serotonin levels by increasing its expression in specific brain areas involved in pain modulation, such as the raphe nuclei in the brainstem, the thalamus, and the cerebral cortex. This regulation is crucial to controlling the frequency and intensity of migraines. The vagus nerve affects the raphe nuclei, the main site of serotonin regulation, and is particularly important in the treatment of migraine and stress-related migraine factors. Effectively regulating serotonin in these areas can reduce pain sensitivity, prevent dilation of blood vessels in the brain, and reduce feelings of nausea, thereby providing relief from migraine headaches.
Anti-Inflammatory and Dysautonomia
Studies have demonstrated that Nurosym, by activating the vagus nerve, plays a vital role in the nociceptive and anti-inflammatory pathways associated with headaches. It achieves this by inhibiting the uncontrolled release of cytokines and inflammatory molecules. The vagus nerve regulates the immune response and controls inflammation via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP), impacting both afferent and efferent fibers. This regulation is essential in correcting the imbalance of inflammatory mediators commonly observed in migraine sufferers. By diminishing neuroinflammation and central sensitization (the heightened sensitivity of the central nervous system) Nurosym has the potential to lessen both the intensity and frequency of migraine episodes (doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaa164).
Nurosym Research-Based Evidence
78% of patients using Nurosym reported a decrease in headache and migraine symptoms as well as a reduction in the frequency of occurrences within 2 weeks. The reported reduction in headaches was observed alongside systemic symptoms, including fever, neck stiffness, rash, focal neurological symptoms, and visual or sensory aura.
Nurosym studies have shown an improvement in vagal tone and HRV parameters by up to 61% (HF power). Decreased HRV is closely related to autonomic nerve imbalances, which can often lead to headaches and migraines. Therefore, balanced HRV resonates with the blood-brain barrier and vascular regulation, which may be important in the context of migraines and other types of headaches.(doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263833).

Fig (A, B, C D). The response of autonomic function measured by HRV in Nurosym or Placebo conditions over time: (A) HF, (B) RMSSD, (C) pRR50, (D) SDRR. With Nurosym, the measurements of HF, RMSSD, PRR50 and SDRR were significantly higher than those in Placebo (Parasym Clinical Trials, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263833).
After 2 weeks of Nurosym neuromodulation therapy, patients experienced an average of 57% improvement in ME/CFS symptoms, with frequent headaches reported reduction, as evidenced in clinical trials. (doi: 10.1101/2022.11.08.22281807).
Another Nurosym study underscores a significant remission of distressing symptoms in Long-Covid syndrome patients, including a 40% reduction in headaches and fatigue (doi: 10.51956/ANNR.100011).

Fig. Evolution of the severity of the syndrome, during treatment (day 0, day 5, day 10), and 1 week after ending Nurosym neuromodulation (follow-up). The individual values and the median are shown. Non parametric Friedman statistics for paired comparisons were used and followed by post-hoc Dunn’s multiple comparisons test (Parasym Clinical Trials, doi: 10.51956/ANNR.100011).
45% reduction on the Beck Depression score was observed, depression can be one consequence of chronic headache (doi: 10.51956/ANNR.100011).

Fig. Evolution of the Beck depression scale scores during Nurosym treatment (day 0, day 5 and day 10). The individual values and the median are shown. Non parametric Friedman statistics for paired comparisons were used and followed by post-hoc Dunn’s multiple comparisons test. (doi: 10.51956/ANNR.100011).
48% improvement in fatigue was evident in the research findings, enhancing the daily functioning of migraine patients.ts (doi: 10.51956/ANNR.100011).

Fig. The Pichot fatigue scale scores during Nurosym therapy (D0: day 0, D5: day 5 and D10: day 10). Significant improvement in fatigue scores after Nurosym treatment was observed (D0 vs. D10, p<0.0001). (Parasym clinical trial, doi: 10.51956/ANNR.100011).
Another Nurosym finding highlights 78% reduction in inflammation in IL-6 (and other cytokines like IL-8, TNF-α). This reduction in inflammation is correlated with a decrease in pain perception and an improvement in gastrointestinal function (doi: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2022.10.278).

Fig. (A, B) In a three-month study employing the Nurosym device for heart failure patients, notable improvements (*P<0.05) were noted in inflammatory biomarkers: (A) Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)‐α exhibited a ~23% reduction, while (B) Interleukin (IL)‐8 showed a marked ~61.3% reduction. The investigation specifically targeted participants with elevated baseline inflammation levels (doi: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2022.10.278).
In clinical trials conducted by Parasym, individuals exhibited an improvement within 5 days, showing a 32% enhancement in memory and a 26% boost in learning performance with the use of Nurosym (doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2020.10.012).

Fig (A, B). Nurosym has shown to enhance memory in learning tasks relative to a placebo. (A) Across all test questions, Nurosym's neuromodulation demonstrated a notable advantage over placebo. (B) Specifically, this improvement was largely due to the significant impact of Nurosym neuromodulation on memory-related questions (Parasym Clinical Trials, doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2020.10.012).
Doctors about Nurosym
Patients about Nurosym
Georgina
From 10 Headache Days a Month to Improved Quality of Life: “Hello, my name is Georgina and I've been using Nurosym for 18 months now and I've had some very good results with it. I've suffered from migraines for 13 years. I've tried many different remedies and unfortunately nothing has actually helped reduce the pattern of 10 headache days a month. However, Nurosym has reduced the intensity. I use it daily. Once a day when I meditate in the afternoon for about half an hour to an hour. And migraines now don't last into two or three or four days. They may just be a twelve hour episode. I'm very thankful for this product, and can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who's interested in giving it a go. Don't hesitate. Give it a go. Thank you”.
Elisabeth N
“I never thought the flu would leave me incapacitated 20 years later. Like many people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis I tried many different therapies including mind body techniques but discovering the Parasym device about a year and a half ago proved the ultimate game changer in my search for recovery. With daily use I started to feel the difference after only a few weeks (...), my headaches have decreased dramatically, and I am able to socialise more easily. Like many people with ME and other conditions I am extremely sensitive to medication, so am delighted to see positive results without experiencing any adverse side effects. I highly recommend it!”
Who is for it?
In the treatment of migraines and headaches, methods are sought that emphasise addressing the underlying causes of symptoms, making Nurosym an appropriate therapy for individuals grappling with trigeminal-autonomic headaches, tension-type headaches, or migraines often stemming from autonomic issues. It is safe for individuals with comorbid neurological, systemic or mental diseases. In this context, transcranial stimulation of the vagus nerve emerges as a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, exhibiting noticeable effectiveness in alleviating symptoms associated with throbbing, stabbing, and acute headaches.
Nurosym has demonstrated efficacy in reducing pain and has the potential to alleviate symptoms without the reliance on potent analgesics and ergotamine, which may carry the risk of addiction and liver toxicity. While antiepileptic drugs are commonly employed for migraine treatment, it is noteworthy that vagus nerve stimulation is an FDA-approved treatment for refractory epilepsy. Nurosym presents a more integrated treatment option for individuals suffering from migraines and headaches, potentially contributing to the reduction or discontinuation of painkillers.
Protocol - How to Use
Based on research results and patients' opinions, Nurosym exhibits a preventive effect on the recurrence of headaches and migraines. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly perform Nurosym sessions twice a day for at least 30 minutes. The settings of the Nurosym device should be adjusted to each patient's response, starting with the tingling point that indicates the point of stimulation of the vagus nerve.
The initial effects of reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches may become apparent after just 5 days; however, patients typically observe significant effects after a month of therapy. To further enhance outcomes related to inflammation reduction, neuroplasticity, and increased integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which may also have a beneficial impact on addressing the underlying causes of symptoms, it is advised to continue using Nurosym for at least 3 months.
How often
Nurosym is recommended for use twice daily based on clinical research and patient feedback. This regimen ensures optimal energy balancing and nervous system calming.
How long
Users should allocate 30 minutes in the morning and 60 minutes before sleep for Nurosym therapy sessions. Consistency in application is key to achieving desired results.
Results
Positive outcomes from Nurosym therapy may become noticeable within a relatively short timeframe. Many individuals report improvements within days of starting treatment.