Single Pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS)
How sTMS works: Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation is an FDA-approved, safe and non-invasive treatment option for adults with migraines. When used for a migraine, sTMS is a small hand held device that delivers a very short magnetic pulse to the back of the head. The exact mechanisms of sTMS are currently unknown; one theory is that TMS alters brain signals that would be causing migraine pain. TMS should only be used under the guidance of a headache specialist.
Evidence in children: In adults there is strong evidence that sTMS can help people with migraines get rid of their migraines once they have begun, 1,2 there is also recent evidence in adults and teens, that sTMS might be able to be used to prevent migraines. 2,3
Cautions: Generally, sTMS is well tolerated by adolescents and teens. Some side effects of sTMS are lightheadedness, tingling and ringing in the ears but few people experience these.
Coil
The coil send magnetic waves through its hoops. The magnetic waves are believed to disrupted signalling in the brain. >>
<< In sTMS a handheld magnetic coil is placed on the head over a targeted area
Coil
Magnetic waves
1. Bhola, R. et al. Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) for the acute treatment of migraine: evaluation of outcome data for the UK post market pilot program. J. Headache Pain 16, 51 (2015).
2. Starling, A. J. et al. A multicenter, prospective, single arm, open label, observational study of sTMS for migraine prevention (ESPOUSE Study). Cephalalgia Int. J. Headache 38, 1038–1048 (2018).
3. Irwin, S. L. et al. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Migraine Prevention in Adolescents: A Pilot Open-Label Study. Headache 58, 724–731 (2018).
​