A new drug-free device that cools the nasal cavity may offer fast relief for migraine attacks, according to research presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting. In a recent clinical trial, nearly half of the people using the highest tested dose of the device experienced complete migraine pain relief within two hours.

The study tested the Mi-Helper, a small tabletop device that delivers cooled, dry air into the nose. This airflow helps calm the sphenopalatine ganglion, a nerve bundle linked to migraine pain. The trial included 172 adults living with migraine: 128 used the device for a single migraine attack, and 44 used a placebo device (one designed to look and feel like the real device without delivering the active treatment).

People who used the Mi-Helper at the highest setting — 10 liters of air per minute — were more likely to be pain-free at two hours compared to those using a placebo device. Some participants also remained migraine-free for up to 24 hours without needing backup medication.

The device was well-tolerated and reported no serious side effects. Mild side effects, like a runny nose, occurred in a few people but did not lead anyone to stop the treatment.

A Potential Drug-Free Alternative for Migraine Relief

Many people living with migraine find that medications don’t always provide enough relief or may come with side effects they’d rather avoid. That’s why drug-free treatment options are increasingly important.

The Mi-Helper joins a growing selection of devices designed to help reduce migraine symptoms. They use different technologies to relieve pain. Some, like Mi-Helper, use cooling to calm nerves inside the nose. Others deliver gentle electrical pulses to the forehead, magnetic stimulation to the back of the head, or vibrations inside the nasal cavity.

The Mi-Helper is still being studied and isn’t yet available for general use. Experts will continue to study its effects and hope it will be available for purchase in 2026. If you’re exploring nonmedication options for managing migraine attacks, talk to your neurologist about devices that are currently available and worth considering for your unique diagnosis.

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Have you tried drug-free treatments for migraine relief? What works for you when you need to stop an attack fast? Share your tips and experiences in a comment below, start a conversation on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.

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