Dr. Silberstein Talks Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in 6 ABC and ABC World News Tonight Interviews
Doctors believe migraine pain is caused by a complex chain of events in blood vessels and nerves on the lining of the brain. A new device, called the Genesis stimulator, is being tested as a possible treatment of migraine headache.
Ron Reigner, a Jefferson patient, has suffered from migraines for the past 25 years. However, after enrolling in a clinical trial for the Genesis stimulator, the frequency and intensity of his headaches has greatly decreased.
In a 6 ABC interview, Dr. Stephen Silberstein, director of the Jefferson Headache Center, says that the trials done in the United States so far have been successful for many patients. "In fact, we had one patient who after the stimulator was put in, had an 80 percent reduction in his headaches," explains Dr. Silberstein.
Similar to Ron's story, another one of Dr. Silberstein's patients, Kelly Ampascher, tried 44 different drugs before enrolling in the Genesis clinical trial. Today, Kelly explains in an ABC World News Tonight story that the stimulator has enabled her to "engage more with family friends" and to return to her outgoing, perky self.
See the full ABC story "New treatment could bring relief for migraines" and the ABC World News Tonight story: "Overcoming Pain: Can a Pacemaker Cure Migraines?"
Publication: 6 ABC, ABC World News Tonight
Published: 10/3/2011