Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in adult patients with migraine: Report of 3 cases

Abstract

Notes no conflict Abstract Background: The use of repetitive magnetic pulses has been found to be effective and safe in reducing migraine pain as well as the prevention of future attacks. The objective was to determine the efficacy of a specific TMS treatment protocol in migraine prevention (with or without aura) Methods: Three adult patients received rTMS sessions with the following protocol: one session three times a week for 5 weeks (a total of 15 sessions each) in a private outpatient clinic. The treatment pulses were applied to the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (LDLPFC). 2000 pulses (20 trains with a 40 second interval were delivered each session, the frequency of 10 Hz at 80% of motor threshold. Pain intensity and level of disability scales were administered before and after treatment. Patients kept migraine diaries to determine location, triggers and relief measures. Results: A decrease between 35-50% was noted in the intensity, duration and frequency of migraines after receiving treatment. The subject of pain showed a 4 point decrease quantified by the pain scales and the migraine diaries. Conclusions: The rTMS migraine protocol used was well tolerated, safe and effective in reducing migraine related symptoms. A bigger sample of patients should be completed to confirm the findings of efficacy, safety and tolerability of the protocol used Conflict of interests: None to Report Funding: No funding to Report.