Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that aims to treat or prevent migraine episodes in people with acute or chronic migraine (with or without aura). TMS is given using a tabletop or handheld device that delivers a predetermined level of magnetic pulse or pulses to the head.
The device is placed on the scalp and either single (sTMS) or repeated (rTMS) magnetic pulses are delivered. The frequency, intensity, duration and interval times of pulses can be varied. Treatments can be automatically recorded by the device in an integrated headache diary, which can be used to identify headache patterns and trigger factors. Patients may continue to use regular medications, including drugs to prevent migraines.