Do-it-Yourself Migraine Prevention

Researchers at Mayo Clinic, in collaboration with other major headache centers in the US, report favorable results from a study of single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation as an approach to prevention of migraine headache. In the study, entitled eNeura SpringTMS Post-Market Observational U.S. Study of Migraine (ESPOUSE), participants were instructed to self-administer 4 pulses from the Spring transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) device in the morning and at night as required to treat or forestall migraine attacks. The authors report that the treatment protocol reduced the frequency of headache days by 3 per month, and that 46% of participants reported a 50% or greater reduction in migraine attack incidence. The findings were reported last month in the journal Cephalagia.

First author Amaal Starling, MD, a neurologist at Mayo Clinic, noted, “The migraine brain is hyperexcitable, and basic science studies have demonstrated modulation of neuronal excitability with this treatment modality. Based on the current study and prior studies in acute migraine attack treatment, sTMS not only helps to stop a migraine attack, but it also helps prevent them.” An advantage of this approach, which has FDA approval for both treatment and prevention of migraine, is that it is noninvasive and easy to use. Dr. Starling observed: “For certain patients, treatment options for migraines, such as oral medications, are not effective, well-tolerated, or preferred. The sTMS may be a great option for these patients and allow doctors to better meet their unique needs.”

Read more about the study findings.

The journal abstract may be read here.