High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in migraine prophylaxis: an open labeled study

Objective: To evaluate the effect of high rate repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in migraine prophylaxis in medically refractory patients. Methods: Migraine patients above 15 years of age, having more than 7 attacks/month and refractory to at least two prophylactic drugs were included. The patients were evaluated for migraine frequency, severity, functional disability, number of rescue medications and migraine index. Three sessions of alternate day 10 Hz rTMS comprising of 600 pulses in 10 trains were delivered to left frontal cortex. The response was evaluated at the end of session and weekly for 4 weeks. Results: Fifty-one patients aged 16-61 years and 45 females were treated. Fifty (98%) patients had more than 50% reduction of headache frequency at the end and 1 week after rTMS and the improvement persisted till the fourth week in 80.4% patients. The headache frequency, severity, functional disability, migraine index, and rescue medications significantly reduced at all time points, but the maximum benefit was observed in the first 2 weeks. There were no serious adverse events. Conclusion: High rate rTMS in left frontal cortex is effective and well tolerated for migraine prophylaxis.