Quick Intense Electromagnetic Field Stops Migraine

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Main Category: Headache / Migraine
Article Date: 22 Jun 2006 - 9:00 PDT

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A hand-held electronic device, called TMS, delivers an electric current through a metal coil creating a sharp magnetic field that lasts only one millisecond. The magnetic field, say researchers, interrupts the migraine before it progresses on to the headache stage.

Migraine sufferers often get a warning that an intense headache is on the way. They see shooting stars, cannot see properly and often have a feeling of disorientation. These neural disturbances are called 'auras'. The TMS device has been shown to be effective in stopping the progression on the migraine if the patient is 'zapped' at this 'aura' stage.

The researchers, from Ohio State University Medical Center, treated 23 migraine patients with the TMS device. 69% had either no headache or very mild headache two hours after being zapped, 42% of the TMS group classed their lack of symptoms as excellent or very good. 48% of the placebo group reported in the same way, with just 26% reporting their lack of symptoms as excellent or very good.

Most of the TMS patients reported no noise sensitivity, more than 50% reported no light sensitivity, nausea symptoms fell 88%. Patients treated with a TMS look-a-like, a placebo, reported a 56% drop in nausea symptoms.

The researchers say no side-effects were experienced by any of the patients.

The researchers then went on to see whether patients could treat themselves - use the TMS device on their own. This second study, with twelve volunteers, concluded that the TMS device is suitable for self-administration. Patients can use it on their own as soon as migraine symptoms start.

More studies with a larger group of volunteers are planned. To see whether the TMS could become a common therapy for migraines depends on the results of the larger studies.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
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