Editor-in-Chief: Alaa Abd-Elsayed, MD, PhD
Abstract
- 2025;9;119-122 gammaCore Device for Chronic Posttraumatic Headache Pain Management in Veterans With Comorbid Mood Disorders: A Case Report
Case Report
Jason Parmar, DO, and Darlene Makulski, MD.
BACKGROUND: Chronic posttraumatic headache (CPTHA) is a prevalent condition following traumatic brain injury, especially among veterans, with a significant impact on quality of life. Traditional treatments often lack efficacy and evidence-based support.
CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 46-year-old male veteran with CPTHA, nonresponsive to standard therapies, including botulinum toxin A and oral medications. The patient underwent treatment with the gammaCore vagus nerve stimulator, a US Food and Drug Administration-cleared device intended for migraine and cluster headache management.
CONCLUSIONS: Following initiation of gammaCore therapy, the patient experienced a marked reduction in headache intensity and frequency, alongside significant improvements in anxiety levels. These outcomes suggest that gammaCore may be a promising noninvasive treatment option for CPTHA, particularly in patients with coexisting mood disorders. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and establish gammaCore’s role in CPTHA management.