What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Sometimes, even medicines might not help in reducing migraine pain. When this happens, other therapies are used. One such treatment is called TMS, which is FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved and has shown good results in reducing migraine pain. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, is a treatment in which the brain cells are stimulated, giving it a little buzz. Here, an electromagnetic coil is used to modify the brain's normal electrical activity. In 1985, it was initially used on drug-resistant depressed patients. Now, this therapy has been used in treating lots of mental health and brain-related issues. Recently, it has also been showing promising results in migraine treatment.
TMS is different from other neuromodulation therapies because it's non-invasive, does not cause seizures, and targets just the right spots.
But not everyone is suitable for this. This should be avoided if you have metal implants, pacemakers, or brain stimulators or have conditions like stroke, seizures, or multiple sclerosis.
How Does TMS Work for Migraines?
Obtaining TMS involves several steps, depending on the provider. Currently, there is no standard procedure for in-office care.
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At the initial consultation, patients will probably be asked to fill out questionnaires, have their measurements taken, and discuss their medical history in great detail.
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After this, an electroencephalogram, or EEG, which scans the brain's surface to determine which regions have the highest electrical activity (nerve activity), is frequently performed. Thanks to this mapping, TMS therapy will be administered where it is most needed.
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The medical expert or technician will then "map" the brain, which will be retained in the patient's medical record for any upcoming procedures. Based on their tests, they will also alter the treatment's intensity or configuration.
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Following the completion of the initial examinations, one can start TMS therapy sessions. One might require multiple treatments, with each lasting approximately 20 minutes.
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A special coil is placed on the head, which sends tiny magnetic pulses that, in turn, make little electric currents inside the brain.
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Electromagnetic waves or pulses activate the brain's nerve cells in TMS. They target the cortex, the outer region of the brain. They especially stop cortical spreading depression (CSD), a wave of electric activity in the brain that can cause migraines.
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By stimulating certain nerves with a little electrical current, magnetic fields reduce the likelihood of a migraine attack in people with TMS.
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Other than a slight tapping feeling, TMS usually causes no pain. Because of the machine's noise, one will need to wear earplugs during treatment.
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Since TMS is a noninvasive technique, one can drive home safely following the therapy while they are conscious. Furthermore, no anesthetic or numbing of any type will be required.
There are two types of TMS:
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Single-pulse TMS: The Food and Drug Administration has approved this type, which sends just one pulse at a time.
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Repetitive TMS: This type sends many pulses one after another.
What Does the Research Say?
Scientists have done some research to see if TMS can help with migraines. And the results are pretty good! In 2010, 2017, and 2022, studies have said that single-pulse TMS works well for acute treatments of migraine with aura. Repetitive TMS works well for chronic migraines. Studies have also said that TMS might help make migraines happen less often, hurt less, and not last as long.
TMS therapy may lessen pain intensity and the frequency of episodes by up to eight days per month. Both aura-free and aura-accompanied migraine episodes have been observed to respond well to TMS. According to some studies, TMS has helped migraine sufferers of all ages. Some studies also say TMS can work better than switching to new medicines when other treatments haven’t worked.
But TMS may not work for everyone! Plus, the way TMS treatments are done at a clinic might not work the same for everyone.
Who Should Consider TMS for Migraines?
If other medications are not helping and one suffers from persistent migraines, TMS is likely to help. There are a lot of reasons why one ought to think about it. These could consist of:
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If one is concerned about drug interactions and uses a lot of medications for different ailments.
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In the event that one is unable to use painkillers or other migraine medications.
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Severe side effects from medicines.
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If one wishes to reduce the amount of painkillers they use in order to prevent rebound headaches or medication overuse.
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Patients looking for non-invasive options.
TMS Compared to Other Migraine Treatments
Treatments for managing migraines include medications, which can be acute or preventive, lifestyle changes, and Neuromodulation therapies. While TMS is effective, its effectiveness, when compared to medications, is limited. When compared to other modulation therapies, TMS is more effective or may be equal to it. For example:
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External trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) sends electric signals to the trigeminal nerves. It is FDA-approved, and it is noninvasive.
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ONS (occipital nerve stimulation) sends electrical signals to occipital nerves and is a surgical procedure. But effective for chronic migraines.
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VNS (vagus nerve stimulation) sends electric signals to the vagus nerve and requires surgery. It is not FDA-approved.
Side Effects and Risks of TMS for Migraines
Side effects and risks are:
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Dizziness.
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Tinnitus.
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Discomfort in the scalp.
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Being fatigued or agitated.
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Convulsion.
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Headache.
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Rare side effects are seizure, hearing loss, and syncope.
The majority of the negative effects that people have so far reported are mild and pass quickly. TMS has not been around for very long, so it is unclear how effectively it functions over the long run.
Conclusion
Migraines can be bad! Sometimes, medicine helps, but other times it does not. Don’t worry; there are many other ways to deal with it. A treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation can help if all other treatments are not working. It is effective, and it doesn't require any surgery. But, before opting for this, always ask your doctors to decide which one is best.
Key Takeaway From iCliniq
Migraines can totally ruin your day, and it’s super annoying when meds won’t work. But don't worry, there is this other thing called TMS. It doesn't even need surgery and gives your brain’s nerve cells a little buzz. It works well. At iCliniq, doctors can help you see if TMS is a good idea for you.
