July 2008
Magnetic Pulses May “Zap” Migraine Headache
Pain:
IA lightweight, handheld device helps migraine sufferers zap away
pain, sometimes within two hours, according to a new study.
Called a transcranial magnetic stimulation device (TMS), it
transmits magnetic pulses that interrupt the
“hyper-excitability” of neurons in the brain, which some experts
believe is to blame for launching the migraine.
“This is based on a new understanding of how migraines start,”
says Yousef Mohammad, MD, a professor of neurology and principal
investigator of the study at Ohio State University Medical
Center, Columbus. The findings will be presented at the annual
meeting of the American Headache society in Boston.
About 35 million Americans suffer from migraines, according to
the American Headache Society.
SOURCE: Doheny, K. (2008). Magnetic pulses may “zap” migraine
pain. WebMD Health News. Available online at
http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/news/20080627/magnetic-pulses-may-zap-migraine-pain
Retrieved June 30, 2008.
SUBMITTED BY:
Rhonda S. Olson, MS, RN, CRRN
