Initial Experiments Show HIRREM might Treat Migraine and Hypertension
A novel, non-invasive neurotechnology levels out the brain frequencies in the right and left hemispheres, decreasing blood pressure and getting rid of the symptoms of migraine. Results of two recently conducted studies confirm that the intervention reveals real promise.
The outcomes of two interesting experiments were provided at the American Heart Association’s Council on Hypertension 2016 Scientific Sessions.
If the outcomes are repeated, they could signal a trend in the way that both migraine and mild hypertension are treated.
The experiments used a neurotechnology known as HIRREM.
What is HIRREM?
HIRREM stands for High-resolution, relational, resonance-based, electroencephalic mirroring which is a innovative, noninvasive, closed loop, electroencephalic dependent feedback technology to assist in auto-calibration, and self optimization of sensory oscillations by using auditory tones to indicate dominant brain frequencies in near real-time.
HIRREM uses sensors that are positioned on the head; they evaluate electrical activity, any instability between the left and right brain, and hyperarousal.
Hossam A. Shaltout, assistant professor in the Hypertension and Vascular Research Center describes the assumption of his research.
“Most individuals have comparatively balanced electrical activity between the both sides of the brain.
Imbalance, with one side prominent, or more active, may indicate autonomic dysregulation related with the effects of chronic stress, which is believed to play a part in high blood pressure, depression, hot flashes, insomnia and migraines and a lot more.”
How exactly does HIRREM work?
HIRREM monitors the electrical activity in brain. As it registers the levels, it converts them into an audible signal, which it repeats back to the individual whose brain is being examined.
This real time responses has a considerable impact on the brain’s output. Shaltout explains: “Progressively, and on its own, with no conscious, cognitive activity needed, the electrical design tends to shift towards enhanced balance and decreased hyperarousal.”
The concept is that trauma, no matter if physical or otherwise, can result in disruptions in the brain’s regular activity. For example, if the brain’s fight-or-flight (sympathetic) nervous system is triggered and, for no matter what reason, not capable to come back to normal, it could be harmful and give rise to disease.
Concluding their experiments Shaltout said,
Naturally, because of the studies’ small size, it is complicated to extrapolate the outcomes; however, these two studies are just a small part of a bigger research program that has now registered over 400 individuals. “If these results are proved in bigger controlled studies, HIRREM may confirm to be a useful new strategy for brain-based healthcare,” Shaltout said.
Discovering a solution that provides an enhancement to medical issues that are notoriously challenging to treat, without the requirement for invasive approaches, could be a real breakthrough.
Undoubtedly many insomnia and migraine patients will be waiting to hear the outcomes of the larger trial with baited breath.