Hi Dan: I've used a TENS unit for other than migraines. I've known people that had migraines and used the TENS unit for their shoulders and neck to treat the migraines, but that was the extent of it's use. Never on the head or face. The idea was that the doctors felt the neck and shoulders were responsible for migraines so the TENS unit would be used to stop or help migraines by being used for the neck and shoulders only.

I know that Medtronic was experimenting with their unit that had wires implanted into the head (and I did a post here about it) and it was experimental and doing a good job of relieving migraines for most people in the trial. But I've never found anything that it went any closer to being formulated to be released for use for the public.

i never heard about this does it work

The TENS unit worked great when I had back surgery and it was wonderful for the muscles in my back and it was loaned to me by a TENS company. It was incredible and made a huge difference in stopping muscle spasms. I could dial up and down the intensity and chance the type of current that was going through it. I could have a pulsating or a circular current or a single pinging current and others choices depending on how muscles were doing near each electrode.

I have been trying a tens unit for 2 weeks now. I have not had success. I might not have the settings right tho. I am going to keep trying. I can't give up yet! :-)

I'm exploring a TENS pointer right now and was hoping there would be more reviews on it for migraine. Anybody else have anything to add?

I have a tens unit. I don't know how you would use it for a migraine, as you cannot put electrodes on any boney surface. As AsTimeGoesBy stated, you can use it around the shoulder areas to treat the shoulder and neck, which can help relax the muscles which in theory could help someone who experiences migraine with neck and shoulder pain. But it can do nothing for throbbing around the temples, or behind the eyes or on top of the head.

Sorry, and good luck to you.

I haven't heard anything more about the TENs unit and migraines except for its use on shoulders and neck. If you have a neurolgoist or specialist seeing you for migarines, you might want to ask them what they know about it or if they can check their sources.

The first neurologist I had I made talk to me during any treatment (the occipital neural blocks and then botox) and he would tell me about the various conferences he was attending and the latest things coming out. I LOVED him telling me the latest and it was exciting to hear about new migraine stuff and stuff that was being expected to come out in the future. I always left feeling very uplifted.

But this other neurologist doesn't do that and wants to focus on doing the botox and no talk. I really miss getting my information.

My physiotherapist has recommended the Pointer Plus Tens unit for migraines by simulating "acupuncture". I would be sending the little electrical pulses through my hands at the pressur epoints that are just between the thumb and index finger on that fleshy part. She said to send the pulse for ten seconds on each hand. These are apparently the points for acupuncture that are associated with relieving migraine...... any further thoughts?

I don't know about acupuncture but it is a commonly held acupressure point That has been suggested to me over and over again. I have never had it do anything though.

I've never had it do anything either but to be fair, you have to find that exact point in order for it to work The pointer plus does just that. It finds that point by recognizing the electrical impulse and it flashes green when it detects that point - then you tazer yourself right there.

Hi Dan
I have a TENS unit that i originally got for my back and neck injuries. I have found it effective for decreasing my migraine pain as well.

Good to know - thanks RaeFx!