A device to relieve pain from migraines and headaches without drugs
Official title: Drug Free Nerve Block Device for the Relief of Pain and Symptoms in Migraines and other Headaches
Funded at Thermaquil, INC. · NIH-10493404 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use device that helps people with migraines and headaches manage their pain without medication, and it's for anyone looking for a drug-free way to find relief.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thermaquil, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 29, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $677,548 |
| NIH project number | 5R44NS115460-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10493404 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience frequent migraines or chronic headaches and have not found relief from existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not suffer from migraines or chronic headaches may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel, noninvasive device designed to provide pain relief for individuals suffering from migraines and other types of headaches. The device allows patients to control their pain management without the use of drugs, which can have significant side effects. The approach involves thermal neuromodulation, which has shown promising results in preliminary studies with patients who have not found relief from traditional treatments. Participants will undergo a 28-day assessment to track their headache frequency, intensity, and overall quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safe and effective alternative for patients seeking relief from chronic headache pain without relying on medications.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown success with similar noninvasive approaches, indicating potential for this device to be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Thermaquil, INC.
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Popielarski, Stephen — Thermaquil, INC.
- Study coordinator: Popielarski, Stephen
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.