New magnetic pulse device for treating migraine
Last updated 3/4/2010 6:11:07 PM
New magnetic pulse device for treating migraine
Migraine experts have welcomed a new hand-held device that delivers a magnetic pulse to the back of the head, offering an alternative to drugs for those who suffer from the condition.
The device could be a promising non-invasive, non-drug treatment option for patients with migraine - encouragingly, a trial found that 40% of patients were pain free two hours after using it. Research showed there were no serious side-effects.
Wendy Thomas, Chief Executive of The Migraine Trust, said: "As a medical research charity for migraine, we welcome this new research into treatments for migraine with aura.The results of this trial show how important it is to continue funding medical research into migraine. Migraine and headache are the least publicly funded of all neurological conditions in the UK, particularly relative to their economic impact."
The charity said that although more research was needed in this area before patients would be able to access the treatment, it looked forward to hearing the results of further trials in the future.
Most people who suffer from migraines get headaches that can be quite severe. Besides pain, migraine also can cause nausea and vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people also may see spots or flashing lights or have a temporary loss of vision. Some people get migraines once or twice a week. Others, only once or twice a year.
Most of the time, migraines are not a threat to your overall health. But migraine attacks can interfere with your day-to-day life. Most often, migraine affects people between the ages of 15 and 55.
The Migraine Trust has donated more than £3 million to more than 130 research projects since it was founded in 1965.
For more information go to http://www.migrainetrust.org
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