TCDS for the treatment of chronic migraine
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An open label, single-site feasibility study of transcranial direct current stimulation, using the Nettle device for the treatment of chronic migraine.
IRAS ID
361355
Contact name
Manjit Matharu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
183588, EDGE (sponsor) ID
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Chronic migraine is a highly debilitating disorder and new treatments are required. Non-invasive neuromodulation devices are generally well-tolerated and safe. This study uses a wearable headband-like device, called Nettle, to provide electrical stimulation (called transcranial direct current stimulation) to parts of the brain known to be involved in the perception of pain. This is a small study to assess the feasibility of home-based self-administration of TCDS for the prevention of chronic migraine.
Twenty adults with chronic migraine will be recruited from a headache clinic to use Nettle for three months. This study will look at how well they are able to keep a headache diary and quality of life questionnaires, as well as the impact the device on their headaches.
The study will last 16 weeks in total, with the first 4 weeks acting as a baseline period. Participants will then have face to face training on how to use the device before using it once daily at home for 20 minutes over the subsequent 12 weeks. Outcomes will be measured at weeks 8-12.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
26/NS/0027
Date of REC Opinion
21 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion