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SpringTMS Total Migraine System

FDA Approves for Device for Migraine with Aura

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On Friday the FDA approved the Cerena Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator (TMS) for the use of migraine pain relief in migraine with aura.  The FDA described the device in this way:

The Cerena TMS is a prescription device used after the onset of pain associated with migraine headaches preceded by an aura. Using both hands to hold the device against the back of the head, the user presses a button to release a pulse of magnetic energy to stimulate the occipital cortex in the brain, which may stop or lessen the pain associated with migraine headaches preceded by an aura.

We actually talked about this device over a year ago, but you might not recognize the name.  The Cerena TMS is already being sold in the UK as the SpringTMS Total Migraine System.  It’s available with prescription at various locations throughout England.

Although the FDA already considered the device to be generally safe, they were going through the regular procedure to approve devices.  One thing they needed was a clinical trial – and the trial they used was funded by the makers of the Cerena TMS.  However, you’ll be glad to hear that it was a well controlled study done by many of the big names in migraine research and treatment.

In the study, 201 patients with migraine with aura were treated with a real or sham device over 3 months.

Of the patients that treated a migraine attack with the TMS device, 39% were pain-free within two hours.  Most of these patients remained pain-free one and two days later.  That’s good news, because it seems that the device was able to actually stop the attack, not just mask the symptoms.  Here’s the abstract:  Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation for acute treatment of migraine with aura

More trials will be needed to see if the device is effective for migraine without aura, and to see how it impacts other common migraine symptoms.  The FDA approval is simply confirmation that the organization feels the device is generally safe, and that it can help some people.

For more information:

Pilot Program in the UK for the SpringTMS Total Migraine System (video)

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The SpringTMSâ„¢ Total Migraine System is a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device that is being tested for migraine treatment.  So far, it’s looking like it’s going to help a lot of migraine patients.

Actually, we’ve been talking about these systems here at least since 2005.  TMS systems for migraine direct a quick pulse to the brain which seems to stop the migraine chain-reaction in some people.

Now that there have been some positive results, the challenge is to create a device which will be small enough and work simply enough so that the normal migraineur can carry one with them.

eNeura is one of the companies hoping to get a useful TMS device to you.  There are now several clinics in the UK which will offer the SpringTMSâ„¢ Total Migraine System for a prescription.  These include, according to Migraine Action:

  • Charing Cross Hospital, London
  • Royal Free Hospital, London
  • Department of Neurology, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton
  • Royal United Hospital, Bath
  • Walton Centre for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Liverpool
  • University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Princes Road, Stoke-on-Trent
  • Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull
  • St Thomas Health Centre, Exeter

For more information, along with contact information, read the Spring TMS Total Migraine System Update from Migraine Action.

Meanwhile, even if this device isn’t yet available in your area, you’ll want to watch the video below to get an idea of what is coming.

via:  How The Spring TMS Device Stops My Migraine Attacks.

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