Magnets for Migraines

New animal research suggests that a noninvasive therapy called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may help treat chronic migraines.

During TMS, the electrical activity in the brain is influenced by a pulsed magnetic field generated through coils of wire. The wires are wrapped in plastic and held close to the scalp. The location of the device allows for stimulation of specific areas of the brain.

In earlier human research, TMS relieved pain more effectively than placebo in patients who had migraines with auras, which are visual sensations (such as flashes of light) that occur before or during the pain of a migraine.

In this latest study, presented at the annual American Academy of Neurology scientific meeting in Seattle, researchers aimed to learn exactly how TMS may affect the brain to improve pain symptoms.

The authors found that the magnetic pulses of TMS may disrupt abnormal brain waves that have been linked to migraines. However, the authors state that more research in humans is needed to fully understand how TMS affects chronic migraines.

TMS has also been studied as a potential therapy for chronic or treatment-resistant depression. Some research suggests that therapy may down regulate beta-adrenergic receptors and subsequently increase the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain.

For more information about TMS and other types of magnet therapy, please visit Natural Standard's Health & Wellness database.

Comments

[V. Stein]

The possible use of these magnets, or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices, as potential treatments for conditions such as migraines and depression seems promising, and I would like to see some prospective randomized, placebo-control trials done in humans to see how substantial results like those in this trial are. We must remember that the risks in humans are not well known, and due to the proposed mechanism of action there is a small risk of seizures from these magnets, especially in patients with epilepsy. Also, have any long-term side effects been found from transcranial magnetic stimulation?

[Jones]

I remember hearing stories on NPR about how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may also be used to treat "lazy eyes" and autism, so it sounds like this is a very promising area of research with many potential applications.

The FDA approved one such TMS device for the treatment of major depression in October of 2008.

I wonder what the side effects of TMS are and how expensive this treatment would be, say, compared to medication?

[WC]

One available portable transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device by NeuraLieve costs about $1,000-2,000. In addition, the device requires a $15-25 chip for each treatment. Compared to about $250 for nine imitrex tablets (without insurance), the portable TMS device may be an expensive option that is only cost effective in patients who have many migraines per month.

[TL]

In response to WC — yes TMS devices are more expensive than Imitrex in treating migraines, but in my understanding, the patient will not have to assume this cost, as they will probably go to their physician’s office for treatments and be charged a regular co-pay for this? This would make TMS magnets a good investment for physicians and would actually decrease long-term health care costs. Don’t forget, also, that Imitrex carries a long list of potential side effects that are extremely costly, such as serotonin syndrome, heart attack, seizure and increases in blood pressure. So sure, the price for nine tablets is less than TMS, but is it really cost-effective when looking at the full picture?

[WC]

The manufacturer is making portable devices -- this implies to me that perhaps it would be utilized by patients. Migraines aren’t something you can plan -- there would be no ability to make a standing appointment for TMS therapy. Are doctors going to be able to have patients just drop by when they start experiencing either an aura or a full-blown migraine? Many patients are incapacitated to some extent by their migraines -- are they even going to be able to get to a doctor every time they have a migraine? Would you have to pay the cost of an appointment if you went to the doctor’s office for this therapy? There are numerous other considerations to go along with TMS therapy. I am not convinced at all that this is a more cost-effective option for all patients.

[April Schauer]

In response to WC, the best treatment for migraines is prevention. If these TMS magnets can help PREVENT the attacks, then yes, patients will be able to schedule regular treatments with the devices. However, more research is clearly needed in the area before we can make any conclusions. I agree with you though, I am not yet convinced that these magnets are going to be cost-effective treatment options for patients suffering from migraines.

[John Murdock]

The increased use of magnets for medicinal purposes is becoming more and more prevalent. The human mind and body functions through a series of neuroelectrical impulses that send sensations and interpretations of all sorts of stimuli. Magnets can have a roll on these positively and negatively charged electrochemical sequences. Still, we must be careful when utilizing magnets around the brain. The brain could easily be affected in a variety of manners, depending on the strength and placement of magnets, thus altering brainwave activity. More study is warranted before applying magnet therapy because the dangers of side effects exists the same as with pharmaceuticals. Have you ever seen a television ruined by a magnetic force or a hard drive erased for that matter?