Excitatory non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) of the excitatory primary motor cortex (M1) is likely to reduce headache intensity and the frequency of headache attacks in patients with migraine, a new study found. Researchers quantitatively reviewed the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in randomized controlled trials (RTCs) in modifying headache intensity and frequency of headache attacks in patients with migraine. A random meta-analysis was performed to pool effect sizes of outcomes. Among the findings:
- Nine RCTs with 276 participants were included.
- Meta-analysis of excitatory M1 stimulation demonstrated significant effects on reducing headache intensity in patients with migraine.
- Meta-analysis of excitatory M1 stimulation showed significant effects on reducing frequency of headache attacks in patients with migraine.
Feng Y, et al. Effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on headache intensity and frequency of headache attacks in patients with migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [Published online ahead of print September 18, 2019]. Headache. doi: 10.1111/head.13645.