Zapping away migraines

According to the American Headache Society, about 35 million Americans suffer from migraines.

But, instead of popping pills for the pain, patients may soon be able to zap it away.

One out of every five migraine sufferers experiences an “aura” before an approaching headache.

Symptoms include tingling, numbness, and vision changes, all triggered by a type of electrical storm in the brain.

Now, researchers from Ohio State Medical Center say patients can zap pain away at the first sign of an aura by using a handheld magnetic stimulation device about the size of a hairdryer.

When held against the back of the head and turned on, the device delivers two quick magnetic pulses into the brain, which scientists believe short-circuit the electrical storm.

They tested the theory in 164 patients, around half of whom had a real magnetic device while the other half used similar-looking units that did not deliver any magnetic pulses.

Results showed that 39 percent who used the genuine device were pain-free two hours later, compared to 22 percent who used the fake device.

As only 50 to 60 percent of migraine sufferers respond to current treatments, doctors say magnetic stimulation has the potential to help millions.