PEMF therapy can be an effective treatment option for headache and migraine as evident from clinical research. There have been some compelling studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for treating migraine and headache disorders.
Headache is something almost all of us experience at some point in life. There are several types of headaches, but the three common types are – migraine, tension-type headache and cluster headache.
Why PEMF for headache and migraine?
Modern all-in-one PEMF therapy for headache and migraine could be a viable solution. It is non-invasive and drug-free. Headaches and migraines can occur due to stress, lack of blood flow or excess of vascular pressure as well as inflammation in the brain. Also overuse of certain medicines can be a reason for having headaches or migraines. In an article by scientists from UCLA it was reported that blood flow or vascular function is observed to be disturbed during a migraine attack.
Scientists think pulsed electromagnetic fields applied to the brain work as transcranial magnetic stimulation. They also work as a regulator.
In a recent study the impact of PEMF therapy on vascular function and blood pressure in patients was assessed. It was concluded that 12 weeks of PEMF therapy may improve blood pressure and vascular function in patients.
Headache and migraine treatment with PEMF
PEMFs effects have been well studied as a treatment solution for migraine and headache . In 2016, the International Journal of Clinical Trials, published the results of a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial which studied the effectiveness of PEMF in refractory migraine or persistent long term headache disorders. They concluded that a low frequency 40-50 Gauss PEMF stimulation can be a beneficial treatment in such cases.
Migraine is multi-dimensional and often manifests silently causing pain or discomfort in other parts of the body. The nervous system which makes us feel pain which is necessary for survival connects our entire body that includes the brain, spine, muscles, etc. Therefore, balancing and stimulating the entire body maybe an easy to use strategy with a higher success rate that urgently needs further clinical investigation. There are many benefits of PEMF therapy in this regard. The Madigan Army Medical Center, Washington conducted a clinical trial and found positive benefits of PEMF therapy for migraine. They used an interesting approach by applying PEMF to inner thighs for treating migraine.
Headaches and migraine due to menstrual cycle
Hormonal imbalances can occur in women during menstrual cycles could also be responsible for frequent migraines or headaches. In a research review published in the Headache journal, Estrogen levels fall leading to loss in serotonin triggering migraine and depression.
In 1996, Dr. Sandyk, one of the pioneers of PEMF research in the United States published a case studies which found that PEMF facilitates serotonin neurotransmission. Thus by supporting the recovery from these causes and symptoms PEMF could be a viable option. For women with menstrual distress or dysmenorrhea too, PEMF has been found effective.
Conclusions
Modern all-in-one PEMF being a non-invasive and drug-free treatment modality can be a good (and proven) headache treatment option. There is ample evidence prompting further and deeper research and trials.
References
1. Classification and diagnostic criteria for headache disorders, cranial neuralgias and facial pain. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society. Cephalalgia. 1988;8 Suppl 7:1-96. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3048700
2. Brennan K, Charles A. An update on the blood vessel in migraine. Current Opinion in Neurology. Published online June 2010:266-274. doi:10.1097/wco.0b013e32833821c1
3. Stewart G, Wheatley-Guy C, Johnson B, Shen W, Kim C. Impact of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on vascular function and blood pressure in hypertensive individuals. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2020;22(6):1083-1089. doi:10.1111/jch.13877
4. Loder E. Menstrual migraine: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and impact. Headache. 2006;46 Suppl 2:S55-60. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00555.x
5. Sandyk R. Freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease is improved by treatment with weak electromagnetic fields. Int J Neurosci. 1996;85(1-2):111-124. doi:10.3109/00207459608986356
6. Kamal H, Abd El Aziz A, El Nahas E. Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on menstrual distress in primary dysmenorrhic women. J Med Sci Res. Published online 2018:250. doi:10.4103/jmisr.jmisr_85_18
7. Hatef B, Hashemirad F, Meftahi GH, et al. The efficiency of pulsed electromagnetic field in refractory migraine headaches: a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group. Int J Clin Trials. Published online February 14, 2016:24. doi:10.18203/2349-3259.ijct20160475
8. Sherman R, Acosta N, Robson L. Treatment of migraine with pulsing electromagnetic fields: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Headache. 1999;39(8):567-575. doi:10.1046/j.1526-4610.1999.3908567.x