sTMS Mini – Now approved to Fight Migraine in Teens & Adults (with video)
The migraine-fighting device now called the sTMS mini has received expanded approval from the FDA. It is now approved as a preventative and abortive device for ages 12 and up – now covering adolescents and older teens and adults.
You might be forgiven if you’re not familiar with the name sTMS. Although the device has been around for a while, its design has been improved and its name has changed along with the improvements. You might know it as the Spring TMS device, or the Cerena Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator, a device we’ve talked about before. Although originally discussed as a treatment for migraine with aura, it is now used for other types of migraine as well.
The device is based on the idea of transcranial magnetic stimulation, a technology developed in the 1970s. It does what it says – creates a small magnetic pulse, which creates a small electrical current in the brain. In some way this seems to disrupt the migraine chain-reaction in many patients.
The newest sTMS mini is remarkably portable and easy to use. Just power-up the hand-held device, place it on the back of your head, and press one (or two) buttons. There will be a snapping sound (no pain – don’t worry), and you’re done. Repeat as prescribed by your doctor.
This may be done to stop an attack that’s starting, or on a daily basis to prevent attacks.
The sTMS mini now gives younger patients another option. In a study specifically focused on adolescents last year, a couple of the 12 patients experienced mild discomfort, but no one had serious side effects. In that sense the sTMS mini is a much safer option than many drug treatments.
The company who makes the device (eNeura) reported on one of its own recent studies, which was reviewed by the FDA. 46% of patients experienced at least a 50% reduction in their migraine attacks.
If you’re interested, talk to your doctor about this treatment. If you’ve tried it, leave a comment. We would love to hear about your experiences.
For more information