While serving in Okinawa, Japan, Cheryl suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a fall from an airplane wing. The fall was so severe that it cracked her helmet. Despite recovering from the physical injuries, the fall led to a cascade of incapacitating headache attacks that gradually progressed into chronic migraine.
The aftermath of the accident extended far beyond just dealing with the physical pain—the persistent migraines began taking a toll on Cheryl’s emotional and mental well-being. It also involved navigating the complex landscape of medical treatments and struggling with the intolerable side effects of medications. The frustration of desperately needing relief but finding none became a burden that weighed heavily on Cheryl.
Discovering the Light at the End of the Tunnel
Cheryl eventually ended up at her local VA in search of answers. There, a nurse practitioner referred her to a TBI clinic where Cheryl learned new ways to care for her brain through comprehensive education, personalized rehabilitation programs, cognitive strategies, lifestyle modifications, and the introduction of innovative therapies to manage migraine pain.
One of the pivotal moments in Cheryl’s treatment journey was the introduction of gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS), the only FDA-cleared non-invasive device designed to treat and prevent multiple types of headache pain through vagus nerve stimulation.
How gammaCore Changed Cheryl’s Life
This innovative device proved to be a game-changer for Cheryl and quickly became an essential addition to her migraine toolbox. Because gammaCore nVNS is compact, handheld, and portable, she could easily carry it with her, ensuring quick and convenient treatments whenever and wherever needed. Just a few two-minute stimulations each day have made a profound difference in managing her once-debilitating migraine attacks.
gammaCore enabled Cheryl to reclaim her life after serving. She was no longer confined to her home because of the chronic migraine, and she could finally continue living her life the way she wanted.
An Inspiration of Hope for Other Veterans
Approximately one in five Veterans suffer from migraine, and 14% of Veterans being treated at the VA have at least one headache disorder.1 Cheryl’s story serves as an inspiration to other Veterans battling similar challenges and a reminder that with the right tools, it is possible to find relief and reclaim a semblance of normalcy in life after a TBI.
To see if gammaCore is right for you, call your VA health care provider or use the MyHealtheVet portal to schedule an appointment. Veterans who are not currently enrolled in the VA health care system may still qualify for migraine treatment through the VA. To apply, visit www.va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll or call 877-222-8387.
For more information about how gammaCore can help Veterans, contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.
Please read the full Instructions for Use, which contains additional information on storage and caring for gammaCore, as well as additional safety information you should know available at gammaCore.com.
Available by prescription only. US Federal Law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a licensed healthcare provider. Please ask your healthcare provider if gammaCore is a treatment option for you.
