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Could a magnetic pulse device offer hope for migraineurs?
Posted 04/03/10
A new study, published today in the journal The Lancet Neurology, suggests that a hand-held device that fires a magnetic pulse to the back of the head may offer new hope to migraine suffers.
In tests, the single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) machine delivered pain relief for up to 48 hours with no noticeable sife effects.
Researchers used a portable device to apply magnetic pulses to the scalps of volunteer patients suffering attacks with aura.
201 patients were included in the study and were randomly assigned to receive either sham or a real machine treatment. Of the 164 patients who treated at least one attack, 39% from the device group were pain free after two hours compared with 22% from the sham group.
The stud was led by Dr Richard Lipton from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
We asked members of Migraine Action's medical advisory board to comment on the study:
Dr Andrew Dowson, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board and Director of Headache Services at King's College Hospital, London says:
"This report follows earlier ones. The idea of using a pulse that causes no side effects (apart from a theoretical risk of fits in an epileptic) is attractive, particularly in those that have side effects from systemic drugs.
"In this study the sham pain free rate of 22% is somewhat similar to what is found in drug studies. The active pulse achieved a 39% pain free rate which might sound like a low number but is enough to encourage more research into consistency of response, timing of pulse in an attack etc.
"One could see a situation where a sufferer might try a pulse if they respond at least sometimes but rescue with another more traditional treatment if it fails.
"The second aspect of the study is that another avenue for research is opened up. Understanding why such a treatment might work could identify other targets for researchers.
"This is an interesting study. At the moment the device is not easily transportable - so potential for at home use, but I am sure that migraineurs will follow developments with interest."
Dr Brendan Davies, from North Midlands Regional Headache Clinic, University Hospital of North Staffordshire says:
"A promising and potentially exciting new non-drug approach for the management of acute migraine attacks? The fact there are no apparent side effects is appealing although data on a larger number of subjects will be needed for safety data. I welcome this new data with cautious optimism. Once more it adds to the weight of evidence identifying that migraine is a central nervous system disorder and that research into the modulation of neuronal functioning and firing will be the key to future successful treatments.
"I look forward to large scale treatment trials to see if they support this preliminary data and give us more safety data as well as look forward to technological development of smaller TMS devices that might make such treatments logistically feasible."
Stockport Osteopath, Clifford Lomas, says:
"Migraine is one of those conditions where a particular therapeutic intervention may help some people but not all. It sounds as if this magnetic therapy device is one of these and if it helps some people that's great. It would be interesting to know if long term use of the device would result in the lessening of the hyperexitability of the brain cells for a longer period than just one attack and therefore reduce the number and intensity of attacks. More research!"
Ms Lee Tomkins, Director of Migraine Action adds:
"Migraine Action is always interested in new research into possible future treatment options for migraine and we are sure that this will of particular interest to the 40% of migraineurs who sometimes experience aura symptoms, particularly as this is not currently an aspect of the condition for which there is an adequate treatment. Migraine Action would welcome further research into the use of this device, including looking at how regularly it could be used safely for those experiencing very frequent attacks."
To read the article in the Daily Telegraph about this study click here.
To read the article in The Independent about this study click here.
To read the Boots Web MD feature about this study click here.