The device of the size and weight of a hairdryer, is based on a technique single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation, in which the electrical currents produced by powerful magnets are used to stimulate brain cells.
At the first sign of migraine, the device is held against the back of the head and switched on. It gives out two fleeting bursts of electricity which short-circuit the 'electrical storm' in the brain that causes the splitting pain, flashing lights and blurred visionassociated with migraine.
As part of the study, half of the patients were given the gadget and half a dummy device that looked almost identical. They were told to treat up to three attacks at the first sign of the symptoms and to record how they got on.
Almost 40% of those who used the device were free of pain two hours later compared to 22% in the other group.
Those who used the gadget were also more likely to be pain-free 24 and 48 hours later.
According to researchers, the electrical pulses produced by the gadget calm the over excited brain cells responsible for migraines
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