Thursday, June 22, 2006

Zap those migraines

Scientists claim to have invented a device which zaps migraines with magnetic pulses.

The Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation gadget was found to reduce sickness, noise and light sensitivity among sufferers.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a procedure in which electrical activity of the brain is changed by an alternating magnetic field, through magnetic induction. Simply speaking, a magnetic field from a conducting coil is applied to the area of interest in the brain. The magnetic field induces micro currents in the brain. According to some, this procedure can have numerous clinical benefits.

Two thirds of patients said they had no pain or only mild pain two hours after they held the device to the backs of their heads.

Scientists in Ohio, US, said the magnetic pulse disrupts the ‘electrical storm’ that sets off the splitting headaches.

Neurologist Yousef Mohammad “The device’s pulses are painless. The patients have felt a little pressure but that’s all.

“No side effects were reported. These are very encouraging results.”

Around one in eight Britons suffer migraines.

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