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Getting the SpringTMS device for Migraine (and a video description)

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It’s been a while since we talked about SpringTMS, so it’s time to bring it up again. SpringTMS is a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device which you use as soon as you feel a migraine attack coming on.

Devices like SpringTMS are increasingly popular because they lessen your need for medication, they’re easy to use, and there are few if any side effects. Of course the main benefit is that, in many patients, it stops the symptoms of migraine. Read more about SpringTMS here.

SpringTMSThe device is currently available in the USA and the UK. I’m not sure about its availability or the logistics of getting it elsewhere, but if you have experience outside of the UK or US leave a comment.

In the UK, SpringTMS is available by prescription through a cost sharing program. It’s available at certain clinics in London and other locations in England. For more information, visit the official UK website here. The company is eNeura.

In August, Kerrie Smyres did the legwork for us to get information about obtaining (and paying for!) the device in the USA. Essentially, SpringTMS is available by prescription under a rental program, and so the price will vary depending on the rental plan. There may be reimbursement through your insurance plan.

But I will let you read Kerrie’s post for more details. Some of the information is applicable in the UK as well, so check it out if you’re interested: Your Guide to Getting a Spring TMS

The official US website is here.

Here’s a video made for US customers about the device:

Magnesium for Migraine: More Study Needed

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We’ve talked often about magnesium for migraine, as one of the best treatments for migraine available today. As with any treatment, however, it works for some people and not for others.

Of course, in spite of our clumsy comparisons of the body with a machine or a computer, each human body is actually incredibly unique and complex. So nailing down the “whys” is sometimes almost impossible.

Fatigue: An early sign of magnesium deficiency
Fatigue: An early sign of magnesium deficiency
Part of the reason may have to do with the level of deficiency in each person. A magnesium deficiency may contribute to migraine attacks in some patients, but not all actually have a deficiency.

There are many other factors as well. The type of magnesium, when you take it, what you take it with (for example, if you’re taking magnesium for migraine, avoid taking it along with calcium) (more tips here).

Dr. Alexander Mauskop at the New York Headache Center has shared some interesting observations, which point to the need for further research into magnesium for migraine.

Here are some of his thoughts:

  • Magnesium seems to help less than 50% of migraine patients (Dr. Mauskop feels that this is because the rest do not absorb the magnesium).
  • About 90% of patients with an actual magnesium deficiency improve with magnesium supplements.
  • The other 10% require regular infusions of magnesium, and “these infusions are often life-changing”.

Now there is another interesting new observation here. Of these last 10%, two patients recently noticed a significant difference between two methods of infusion. Dr. Mauskop explains:

These patients tell me that when we give them an infusion of magnesium by “slow push” over 5 minutes they get excellent relief, but when they end up in an emergency room or another doctor’s office where they receive the same amount of magnesium through an intravenous drip over a half an hour or longer, there is no relief.

A likely explanation is that a push results in a high blood level, which overcomes the blood-brain barrier and delivers magnesium into the brain, while during a drip, magnesium level does not increase to a high enough level to reach the brain.

Essentially, and this seems to be the case sometimes with sumatriptan as well, two patients may take the same amount of medication or magnesium, but one has a “quicker” dose. The one who has the “quicker” dose responds better than the other patient.

While we wait for more studies to be done (and a good question is – does generic plain old inexpensive magnesium get the funding that the fancy new medications do?), how can we use this information?

First, if you have tried some magnesium supplements without success, consider actually being tested for a magnesium deficiency. If you are deficient, it will definitely be worth trying more magnesium options, even if it takes time.

Second, remember that there are a lot of options when it comes to magnesium treatments. Try some different supplements, and consider talking to your doctor about infusions.

Finally, if you do receive infusions, ask about the 5 minute “slow push” method that Dr. Mauskop mentions. It may do more to stop those symptoms than the slow-drip method.

For tips from our community, check out:

For the full article from Dr. Mauskop, see More on intravenous magnesium for migraines, muscle cramps, PMS, and other symptoms

The Butterbur Controversy (Podcast)

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Many people aren’t even aware of the confusion and controversy surrounding butterbur as a migraine preventative. But after listening to this podcost – well, at the very least you can join in the confusion!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

More to read:

Migraine Treatment: Vestibular Rehabilitation

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If you suffer from dizziness, vertigo, or a feeling of imbalance, you might benefit from vestibular rehabilitation. Vestibular rehab will probably be a part of your overall treatment if you have dizziness or similar symptoms as a part of your migraine disease.

The word “vestibular” in this case refers to issues relating to balance, in particular related to the inner ear. But that doesn’t mean that there needs to be a structural problem – or anything visible at all, that is causing balance problems.Vestibular Rehabilitation Can Help!

Vestibular symptoms can extend beyond just dizziness and/or vertigo, to include:

  • nausea
  • visual disturbances
  • headaches
  • neck stiffness/pain
  • anxiety/depression

So what does vestibular rehabilitation involve?

This is one of many helpful migraine-related treatments that can be given by a physiotherapist. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy involves specific exercises depending on your condition and medical history.

For example, if your doctor has identified an actual inner ear issue, some exercises will help to counter that problem. If you experience more dizziness when you’re moving around, certain exercises will help with that.

Sometimes treatments are categorized in three groups: habituation (treating problems related to motion or visual stimuli), gaze stabilization (treating problems related to eye movement, or to compensate for other problems), and balance training (improving general steadiness).

Some exercises may actually help to “heal” your condition. But many vestibular problems are permanent. So many exercises can actually counteract the problem, or compensate for one deficiency by using other senses.

Because the exercise program can be so complex (though not difficult) and based on your specific condition, medical history, and even family history, it is best to see an expert rather than just doing a search on YouTube.

However, if you have already been diagnosed and discussed your condition with a condition, there are some basic exercises that may help. Be sure your doctor has checked to rule out other treatable causes of your symptoms, and that you’ve discussed the exercises with her.

If your exercises make your dizziness continually worse, you encounter hearing problems or a feeling of ear fullness/pain, or you have significant back/neck pain, stop the exercises and see your doctor right away.

For more information, including exercises to try, check out:

Vestibular therapy can be an important part of your migraine treatment. If these types of problems are ignored, other treatments may be less effective. It will be harder to be mobile, to eat properly, and to have a generally improved quality of life.

If you suffer from imbalance, talk to your doctor. There are good treatments available.

For more information:

Yes, Children Get Cluster Headache Too

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Although cluster headache usually starts in your 20s or 30s, children can, and do, get cluster too. Usually the symptoms start after the age of 10, but children with cluster have been reported as young as 6 years old.

Cluster Headache in ChildrenThe fact that cluster headache is extremely rare in children is no comfort to children who get it and their families who are trying to help them. Although we’ve talked about cluster headache in children before, it’s time for an update.

As with adult cluster, more males are diagnosed than females. However, a surprising number of girls get cluster as well.

But one of the biggest challenges is diagnosis. A study in 2009 of eleven children found that, on average, their symptoms began at the age of 8.5, but they went two years without a proper diagnosis.

Sadly, headaches in children are often considered to be caused by “stress” or “attitude”. However, a specialist who know what questions to ask can get to the truth a lot faster.

Another challenge is that cluster headache is not usually constant. Attacks typically last from 15 minutes to three hours. But they also go into remission. Headaches may occur once or several times a day for a while, and then disappear for months or years.

Symptoms in children tend to be similar to those in adults. That would include agitation and restless movement, one sided pain, congestion, and facial flushing and sweating. (For more detail, see Cluster Headache Symptoms)

Treatments for cluster are also similar to treatments in adults, partly because precious little study has been done specifically for children. One study found that oxygen, methysergide, verapamil, zolmitriptan and dihydroergotamine were particularly helpful for children, but that paracetamol/acetaminophen, ibuprofen and codeine with paracetamol/acetaminophen were not particularly helpful.

For more information:

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The articles on Headache and Migraine News are © 2004-2025 J. Cottrill.
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of each article, and to point you to further sources of information. However, this site is for informational purposes only and should never replace a visit to your doctor.