[Transcutaneous nerve stimulation for the treatment of migraine and other head pain (author's transl)].

35 patients suffering from different painful conditions were treated with transcutaneous application of a slightly painful electrical stimulus. The effect was manifested in complete relief in six patients treated during an attack of migraine and in a relatively high number of other cases of headache with relief of pain. In some cases there was a long-lasting favourable effect for periods up to 8 months. For the theoretical explanation the 'gate control' theory is referred to. With respect to the practical application, the special indication in cases of chronic headache is emphasised, especially since this method avoids the risks of habit-formation or other damaging effects of drug therapy.