New handheld device offers fresh hope for migraine sufferers

Migraine sufferers may soon get help from a new handheld device which could offer them drug-free pain relief.

Researchers claim the neurological condition can be controlled with the use of a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device, which functions by sending a magnetic pulse to the back of the head.

A study published today found that nearly 40 per cent of patients tested were pain-free two hours after treatment from the device.

The authors of the study, published in the Lancet Neurology, said the new device could be a promising non-invasive, non-drug treatment option for patients suffering from migraines, without any serious side-effects.

Hans-Christoph Diener from University Hospital Essen in Germany said: “The use of TMS could be a major step forward ? particularly for patients in whom presently available drug treatment is ineffective, poorly tolerated, or contraindicated.”

The condition, which is more prevalent than diabetes, epilepsy and asthma combined, affects around eight million people in the UK.