Migraines can be a debilitating illness for many people, characterized by intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one part of the head, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last anywhere from four to 72 hours when untreated, affecting around 10 percent of the global population and being three times more common in women than in men. For about one-third of migraine sufferers, the headache is preceded by an aura, which is a visual, sensory, or motor disturbance.
New hope for relief: Cerena TMS
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved marketing of the Cerena Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator (TMS), a device developed specifically to relieve pain caused by migraines. This new device offers an additional treatment option for some patients who suffer from this debilitating condition.
The Cerena TMS is a prescription device designed to be used after the onset of pain associated with migraine headaches preceded by an aura. To use the device, the patient holds it against the back of their head with both hands and then presses a button to release a pulse of magnetic energy. This pulse of energy stimulates the occipital cortex in the brain, which is believed to stop or lessen the pain associated with migraine headaches preceded by an aura.
Clinical trial results
The FDA reviewed a randomized control clinical trial involving 201 patients who mainly experienced moderate to strong migraine headaches and had auras preceding at least 30 percent of their migraines. Out of these study participants, 113 recorded treating a migraine at least once when pain was present.
Results indicated that nearly 38 percent of the 113 subjects who used the Cerena TMS when they had migraine pain experienced complete pain relief 2 hours after using the device. In comparison, only about 17 percent of patients in the control group noted similar results. Furthermore, after 24 hours, nearly 34 percent of the Cerena TMS users were completely pain-free compared to 10 percent in the control group.
Important restrictions for use
Though the Cerena TMS presents a new treatment alternative, there are certain individuals who should avoid using the device. Patients with metals in their head, neck, or upper body that could be attracted by a magnet should not use the Cerena TMS. Also, those with active implanted medical devices, like a pacemaker or deep brain stimulator, should avoid it.
Additionally, the manufacturer, eNeura Therapeutics, points out that the Cerena TMS device should not be used by patients with suspected or diagnosed epilepsy or those with a personal or family history of seizures. Further information on this device is available on eNeura’s website.
Other non-pharmaceutical migraine treatments
Along with the Cerena TMS, other non-pharmaceutical migraine treatments have emerged in recent years to help migraine sufferers manage their symptoms. These alternatives often aim to reduce reliance on pharmaceutical medications that can have their own associated side effects.
1. Acupuncture
For some people, acupuncture – the ancient Chinese technique involving the stimulation of specific points on the body with needles – has been shown to help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. The American Migraine Foundation provides more information on this form of migraine treatment.
2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is another treatment option for migraine sufferers who prefer a non-pharmaceutical approach. It is a type of psychotherapy that helps patients understand and change the way they think about their pain, which may ultimately reduce migraine severity and frequency. The Migraine Trust offers additional insight into this treatment.
3. Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a technique that involves patients consciously controlling their physiological functions, such as heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature. Some migraine sufferers have found relief using this method by learning how to relax specific muscles when they sense an impending migraine, thereby preventing the headache from worsening. The Cleveland Clinic is an excellent resource on biofeedback therapy.
Final thoughts
The Cerena TMS device offers a new non-pharmaceutical treatment option for select migraine sufferers. When used alongside other non-pharmaceutical therapies like acupuncture, CBT, or biofeedback, patients can find relief without relying solely on pharmaceutical medications. However, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals before deciding upon any new treatment plan.
