MigRelieve

What it does

MigRelieve is a complementary product that alleviates migraine pain and reduces medication dependence. Its "C" shape ensures stability on the head while targeting the trigeminal and vagus nerves with cold compress, hot compress, and rhythmic vibration therapy.

Your inspiration

During my final year at university, I thought of my mother while selecting my project topic. My mother suffers from migraines, and I observe her difficult moments while I growing up and since then I still do. When she has a migraine attack, she has to be at silence and lie down, acting like she's disconnected from life, and consumes a lot of medication. This experience inspired me to find a solution for people who suffer from several headaches like my mother, aiming to help them alleviate their pain without relying on medication and continue with their daily activities at the same time.

How it works

MigRelieve is an alternative medical device designed to alleviate migraine pain naturally and reduce medication dependence. It offers hot compress, cold compress, and vibration therapy, targeting the trigeminal and vagus nerves. The device features a Peltier mechanism (25 mm x 25 mm, 4 mm height) for temperature control and a mini vibration motor (10 mm x 3 mm, 4 mm height), with an aluminum heat sink for heat distribution. It is powered by an Arduino Pro Micro and includes a temperature sensor, lithium polymer battery, LED indicators, and thermal pads. MigRelieve aims to improve quality of life by managing migraine pain through a multifaceted approach. Research shows the vagus and trigeminal nerves influence migraine triggers and symptoms. Operating in 15-minute sessions, it is considered safe, though further testing is needed to confirm effectiveness. The device is currently in the prototype phase, focusing on demonstrating functionality.

Design process

My project focuses on designing MigRelieve, a device to alleviate migraine headaches. I spoke with patients about relaxation methods, discovering potential in whole-body vibration therapy alongside hot and cold applications. Research into the vagus and trigeminal nerves revealed that the vagus nerve regulates serotonin levels, while the trigeminal nerve triggers migraines. My aim is to relax muscles and balance blood flow, using hot/cold compresses and rhythmic vibrations to influence serotonin and cortisol, easing pain. Offering three options will enhance effectiveness. MigRelieve targets migraine relief with 15-minute sessions, utilizing soft, non-irritating thermal pads to minimize side effects. I plan to collaborate with engineers and doctors for development. In prototyping, I transitioned from foam to 3D printing for sizing. After testing with PLA and gathering feedback, I incorporated flexible materials, combining PLA and TPU in the fifth mockup. I developed the product through weekly Zoom meetings with my consultant. Market research has positioned MigRelieve uniquely, allowing me to refine the device based on feedback. My goal is to improve migraine patients' comfort through ergonomic design and durable materials.

How it is different

Generally, there are products on the market that provide relief with only cold compress, hot compress, or vibration. However, a device like MigRelieve, which offers three different relaxation methods cold compress, hot compress, and rhythmic vibration is not commonly found. Even if such products exist, I can say that MigRelieve stands out due to its unique design and the mechanisms it employs. The difference with MigRelieve is that it specifically targets migraine-related nerves, such as the trigeminal nerve located at the temples and the vagus nerve in the neck, to alleviate migraine pain. Targeting these nerves can potentially be more effective in reducing the severity of migraine pain. The device offers multiple therapy options for enhanced pain relief. Its ergonomic design ensures long-term comfort. Migraine patients often rely on medication, which can harm health and finances, while this product provides a cost-saving, drug-free treatment.

Future plans

My next step is to collaborate with an engineering team and doctors to develop the product using real materials. I plan to test the 3D-printed prototype with injection molding, improving mechanisms and finding the best solution. My goal is to provide effective relief for migraine patients. MigRelieve aims for a user-friendly, aesthetic design that fits well outdoors. I hope to create a unique brand that enhances the daily lives of migraine sufferers, improving their comfort during travel, work, study, or relaxation. I also look forward to experiencing the finished version of MigRelieve alongside migraine patients one day.

Awards