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Jun 22, 2006 9:05 pm US/Eastern
Migraine Sufferers Rejoice! Help May Be On The Way
Study: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator Really Works
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Everyone gets an occasional headache, but for migraine sufferers, the splitting pain can stop them in their tracks.
It can affect your vision, and even cause nausea and vomiting.
But a new device, called a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator -- or TMS -- may provide instant relief.
CBS 2 first reported on TMS two years ago when it was being studied in Canada.
And it worked wonders on migraine sufferers.
Now a new study says 69 percent of migraine sufferers reported no pain or only mild pain two hours after using the device. They also had less nausea, light and sound sensitivity.
Here's how it works:
Recent evidence suggests migraines are caused by electrical activity that spreads across the brain. The stimulator interrupts that electrical wave by sending a quick magnetic pulse through the skull.
And unlike medication, the device does not appear to cause any side effects.
Headache specialist Susan Broner hasn't yet used the TMS device, but she said it could be a welcome addition to the arsenal of headache-fighting treatments.
"There are over 30 million Americans who suffer from migraines, so any new, potentially new treatment is of interest to both professional or migrainers," she said.
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