inside look
How migraine relief headphones work
Take a look at our easy to understand explainer describing the scientific theory behind Clearmymind’s migraine relief headphones.
CALORIC VESTIBULAR STIMULATION
WE CREATE A TEMPERATURE GRADIENT BETWEEN YOUR EARS
One ear is heated to 42 C and the other cooled to 16 C. This temperature change is achieved with temperature controlled air gently drifting into your outer ears. Our headphones are timed to switch the heating and cooling from one ear to another, so no ear is constantly too hot or too cold.
THE TEMPERATURE CHANGE TRAVELS TO THE VESTIBULAR NERVE
The temperature change travels through the outer ear, past the middle ear and into the inner ear. Here it reaches the Vestibular nerve, which is a gateway to the rest of the brain. It is a road, through which any structure in the brain can be reached.
The hairs on the vestibular nerve detect the temperature change and fire out signals, via nerve pathways, to other parts of the brain. Research suggests these pathways are important in migraine management.
THIS CAUSES CHANGES IN THE BRAIN
Research suggests that migraineurs have certain nerve pathways which are ‘weak’. Migraines may be caused by the brain attempting to repair these weak ‘roads’
Stimulating the Vestibular nerve to fire down these pathways again and again ‘strengthens’ them over time, helping to prevent migraines.
Though the science why is not at 100 percent yet (migraines are a riddle wrapped up in an enigma), evidence shows the cycling of hot and cold elicits positive symptomatic relief for episodic migraines.
BRAIN WAVE OSCILLATION ENTRAINMENT
Our headphones cycle the heat / cool gradient between each ear. Constantly changing the heating/cooling temperatures in the ears not only protects the ears, but also mimics important brain wave oscillations which are important for normal brain function
EVIDENCE SHOWS THAT MIGRAINES ARE ALLEVIATED
Caloric vestibular stimulation bears up to vigorous scientific testing. A number of clinical studies have found that migraine relief is induced by stimulating the Vestibular nerve via temperature change. Clearmymind’s headphones are an indispensable tool in migraine management!
