What is the study about?

This study aims to assess the feasibility of home-based self-administration of transcranial direct current stimulation for the prevention of chronic migraine. It will look at how well people are able to keep a headache diary and quality of life questionnaires over 12 weeks, as well as the impact of regular use of the Nettle device on headache.

Who can take part?

Researchers are looking for participants who:

• Are aged 18-70
• Fulfil International Classification of Headache Disorders 3 (ICHD-3) criteria for chronic migraine, diagnosed by a headache specialist, at least 1 year prior to entering the trial
• Are willing to keep headache medications stable for two weeks prior to entering the study and for the duration of the study
• Have access to a smart phone to use the mobile application to control the device and are able use Headache Pro app to record headaches. A paper diary may be used instead of the Headache Pro app if required by individual patients.
• Are able to provide written informed consent prior to participation in the study

If any of the following apply to you, you will not qualify for this study:

• Epilepsy or history of seizures
• Current or planned pregnancy during the study timeframe
• Active suicidal thoughts
• Other pre-existing neurological or neuropsychiatric condition(s)
• Lesion, tumour or other defect in skull or brain
• Implant inside skull, cochlear implant or implanted hearing aid
• Implanted medical device e.g. pacemaker or neurostimulator
• Use of other stimulation devices such as spinal cord stimulators, vagal nerve stimulation, auricular nerve stimulator or deep brain stimulation
• Concurrent medication overuse
• Use of cranial botulinum toxin injections or CGRP inhibitors in the past 6 months
• Current or recent (within three months) participation in another clinical trial

If I take part, what will it involve?

The study is planned to take four months, which includes a one month baseline period where participants complete a headache diary, followed by three months of daily use of the Nettle device at home, for 20 minutes per day. The Nettle device is a wearable headband-like device which provides electrical stimulation to parts of the brain known to be involved in the perception of pain. Comprehensive training to use the device is provided and support is available throughout the study. Participants would need to make 2 visits to the study clinic in London and participate in a video call.

How to take part

Potential participants are encouraged to get in touch using the “More Information” button via the following link: https://findastudy.uclh.nhs.uk/trial/6a268a43db02c06c33f40857/view

Added: 16 July 2026 | Deadline: 31 October 2026