FDA approves magnetic device to relieve migraine pain

People who suffer from debilitating migraines may soon be able to purchase a magnetic device that can help alleviate their pain, Nature World News reported.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the Cerena Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator (CTM) for people who suffer from migraines that are preceded by an aura – characterized by a tingling sensation in the extremities and flashes of light or blind spots in a person’s vision. The device uses magnetic energy to stimulate the occipital cortex – an area of the brain involved in visual processing – in order to alleviate migraine pain.

In a trial conducted by the FDA, 201 migraine sufferers tested the device when they experienced head pain. Overall, 38 percent of patients using the device experienced relief from migraine pain within two hours, compared to just 17 percent of people who were given a fake version of the device.

While the CTM does help relieve migraine pain, the FDA noted that the device doesn’t provide relief for other symptoms of migraines, including  sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound and nausea.

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