Autonomic Technologies (ATI), a Californian based company has developed a device for electronic administration of aspirin. With this device patients can administer and control the remote to deliver low-level electrical stimulation for pain relief themselves.
By stimulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) nerve cluster the device lingers pain from headache disorders including tension headaches, migraines and cluster headaches. The implant is placed in the upper gum area. With a quite simple procedure the device is inserted causing minimal invasiveness and side effects for the patient.
The permanent implant connects with the SPG bundle of nerves. At the first sign of a headache, the patient can hold the hand-held remote control device on the cheek near the implanted device.
When pressing the remote, the nerve cells are slightly stimulated by an electrical charge blocking the pain signals to the brain. The patient completely controls the device. It can be turned on and off as needed.
Worldwide headache disorders are ranking in third position in causing losing years because of disability. Headache disorders pose an important societal, personal and financial burden. Symptoms such as throbbing pain, dizziness and nausea cause problems in work, family and social life and diminish the quality of life.
The commonly used treatments, such as local anesthetics (xylocaine, lidocaine), analgesics (ibuprofen, aspirin), oxygen therapy, octreotide, phenergan for nausea, sumatriptan and dihydroergotamine intent to lower the severity and number of attacks.
No health restrictions have to be considered with the electronic aspirin and it can be implanted into anyone. The device can be used safely by people with heart disease, high blood pressure or allergies.
According to a clinical study by ATI about electronical aspirin, 68% of patients treated with the device encountered serious improvement. Of these patients 65% experienced no headache disorder anymore within three months.
Electronic aspirin is a renewed technology and still under clinical development, awaiting approval by the FDA. It could possibly become a permanent solution for headache disorders in future.
It is a present-day way of pain relief in society where electronics seem to control a big part of life.
