On a scale of one to ten, migraine pain would probably rest at the upper end of the scale. Yet many of its sufferers cannot get relief from or tolerate many of the over-the-counter and commonly prescribed pain medications. Until now, there was little choice left. However, a group of researchers that includes Dr. Maron Bikson, associate professor of biomedical engineering in CCNY’s Grove School of Engineering, has shown that a brain stimulation technology can prevent migraine headaches from happening. Using a technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) they apply a mild electrical current to the brain from electrodes attached to the scalp.
With this technology, Dr. Bikson and his colleagues focus on tapping into the so-called pain network of the brain. These are a collection of interconnected regions involved in perceiving and regulating pain. This technology seems to reverse ingrained changes in the brain caused by chronic migraines, such as greater sensitivity to headache triggers.
Repeated sessions showed a 37 percent drop in migraine pain and in duration of attacks. The improvements accumulated over a four week period and had lasting results. In pilot studies, the effects lasted for months. The only side effect was a slight tingling sensation during the process. Professor Bikson predicts that a patient could use this treatment every day or periodically, as needed.
Other Less Favorable Techniques
Thirty-six million Americans suffer from migraines, and of that, 14 million suffer from chronic daily headaches. The fact that people are still suffering from migraines means that the current technology and chemistry is not working.
There are existing brain stimulation techniques that help relieve migraines while they are underway, but the people who use these techniques still suffer from chronic headaches at least 15 times a month. This makes using the technology a constant battle.
Other treatments also have their drawbacks, from heavy equipment to serious side effects such as seizures. Some only stimulate the upper layers of the brain. Others stimulate the deeper regions but need brain surgery to implant the electrodes. The tDCS technique is safe, easy to use, and portable. People can walk around with it, or keep it in their desk or purse. These researchers predict a future model that might be as small as an iPod.
While a marketable version of tDCS is still years away, it will definitely be an improvement over existing techniques and will hopefully bring relief from chronic migraine pain.
Tags: Acupuncture, chiropractic care, Massage Therapy, migraine, migraine attack, migraine headaches, Migraine Support Formula, migraine symptoms, migraine treatment
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