Every patient begins with a trial period. Temporary leads are placed through small incisions (typically outpatient, ~20 minutes). You’ll wear the trial stimulator for 3–7 days so you and your physician can evaluate how well it reduces your migraine pain.
After the trial, you’ll have a review appointment. If the response is positive, you may proceed to the permanent procedure.
If you qualify for the procedure and want to move forward with the trial, we’ll guide you through the process of getting approval from your insurance company. This step is common and means you’ll have written confirmation that your insurance will cover the procedure. Your insurance might call it pre-authorization or pre-determination.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help make this process easier for you. We’ll work with your insurance provider to make sure you get all the benefits you’re entitled to.
Curious about how we handle insurance pre-certification? Learn more here.
Once your insurance company gives the green light, we’ll schedule your trial procedure. One of our specialists will perform the outpatient procedure at one of our centers.
It’s a simple, minimally invasive process where temporary leads are placed just beneath the skin—no major surgery required. While you recover, the system is adjusted to your comfort, creating a gentle, soothing sensation across your head.
You’ll wear the temporary stimulator for about three to five days to see how much relief it provides. After the trial, you’ll return to have the device removed and review your results. If you experience meaningful relief, we’ll move forward with scheduling your permanent procedure.
If your trial provides meaningful relief, the next step is the permanent procedure. This short, same-day outpatient surgery is very similar to the trial, but the temporary leads are replaced with long-term ones, and a small battery is placed under the skin.
The procedure is minimally invasive, and most patients go home the same day. The system delivers gentle, ongoing stimulation to help manage migraine pain and can be easily adjusted through an app for personalized comfort.
Your care team will guide you through recovery and follow-up visits to ensure everything is working comfortably and effectively.
Recovery times can vary from person to person, but here’s what most patients experience:
Trial procedure: Most people return to their usual routines—like work or school—within a few days.
Permanent procedure: Light activities can typically be resumed within one to two weeks, with full recovery expected in about four to six weeks. During this time, it’s best to avoid strenuous movement or heavy lifting.
After the permanent procedure, our team will stay in touch to monitor your progress and make sure everything feels comfortable. The system is easy to use and maintain, and the battery typically lasts 8–10 years. If a replacement is ever needed, it’s a quick 15-minute outpatient visit.