The Role of Left Prefrontal Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Episodic Migraine Prophylaxis

Ain Shams University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Prophylaxis; Episodic Migraine

Treatments: Device: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) 100% motor threshold; Device: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) 50% motor threshold

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04031781

FMASU 1171/2012

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of the study was to examine the prophylactic role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the frequency, and severity of migraine attacks in episodic migraineurs who failed medical treatment.

A group received 5 rTMS sessions, delivered over one week. Each rTMS session consisted of a single train of 900 total pulses over 3 minutes duration given at 5-Hz frequency and 100% motor threshold intensity and the placebo group received rTMS with the same stimulation frequency at a fixed intensity of 50% of the machine output

Enrollment: 33 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 16+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• cases diagnosed as episodic migraine with or without aura according to the ICHD 3rd edition
• With a headache frequency of 4-14 per month for the last six months
• Patients who had either an unsatisfactory response, declined or were intolerant to at least two prophylactic medications.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with past family history of seizures
• Other chronic pain disorders
• Severe depression (Beck Depression Inventory of 30 or more)
• Other significant neurologic or psychiatric diagnosis including substance misuse
• Metal implants in the head
• Pregnant or breastfeeding ladies
• Prior experience with TMS

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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33 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Receiving repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)

Active Comparator group

Description:

This group received 5 rTMS sessions, delivered over one week over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC ) at 5-Hz frequency and 100% motor threshold intensity.

Treatment:

Device: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) 100% motor threshold

Group receiving placebo rTMS

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

This group received Placebo rTMS was given with the same stimulation frequency at a fixed intensity of 50% of the machine output

Treatment:

Device: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) 50% motor threshold