A March 2010 research study published in The Lancet Neurology concluded that the pain associated with migraine headaches could be alleviated with the use of a handheld machine. The device, which emits a magnetic pulse to the back of the head, allowed many sufferers in the study to become pain-free two hours after the onset of migraine symptoms.

Study Limitations
While the study did demonstrate the effectiveness of the 'single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS)' device when results were collated with a control group that was subjected to sham stimulation, the technology was not directly compared to other migraine headache remedies, such as medication.

In addition, test subjects were allowed to use their regular medications to treat migraines, so tests will have to be conducted with the sTMS device as the sole means of easing the pain caused by migraine triggers.

Issues involving optimal use and safety with prolonged use of the device by those who suffer from migraine headaches will also need to be extensively tested for in the future.

Handheld sTMS Device
The machine in question is utilized by placing it against the base of the skull, after which it delivers two magnetic pulses spaced 30 second apart when the appropriate button is pressed. The control 'sham' device was identical in appearance and operation, but did not deliver the noted magnetic pulse although it vibrated in a similar fashion to the real apparatus.

The persons studied suffered from migraine symptoms accompanied by aura, or visual distortions that precede the migraine triggers. Participants were directed to utilize the sTMS machine for as many as three migraine attacks in a three-month period at the onset of aura.

Study Conclusions
The research study, conducted by Dr. Richard Lipton and associates from Einstein College of Medicine, New York, and coordinated with 18 other centers in the United States, concluded that utilizing the device for early treatment of migraines accompanied by aura resulted in a higher incidence of freedom from pain two hours thereafter when compared to users of the control sham machines.