A new study found that a drug-free nasal device may help people with chronic migraine have fewer headache days. Developed by Chordate Medical, the Ozilia system works by inserting a catheter (small tube) with a balloon into the nasal cavity, where it inflates and delivers gentle vibrations to target nerves involved in migraine. The technology is called kinetic oscillation stimulation.

In the study, participants used either the device or an inactive treatment once a week for six weeks. Each session lasted 10 minutes per nostril. Those who used the device had an average of 3.5 fewer headache days per month. In comparison, people who used the inactive treatment had only 1.2 fewer headache days per month. In total, 47 percent of people who used the device had at least 30 percent fewer monthly headaches.

Side effects were mild and similar between both groups. The most common ones were nasal congestion, dizziness, and minor nosebleeds.

A Step Toward U.S. Approval

There are many ways to treat chronic migraine, including medications and devices. This system, called Ozilia, could offer a new, drug-free option that may help people who haven’t found relief from other treatments or who struggle with medication side effects. Instead of using electrical pulses or magnets, it gently vibrates inside the nose to target nerves involved in migraine.

The device is already approved in Europe, and the company is working toward U.S. approval.

If your current migraine treatment isn’t working well for you, talk to your healthcare provider about other options that might help.

Read the latest on migraine treatments and how they work.

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