The efficiency of pulsed electromagnetic field in refractory migraine headaches: a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group

Abstract

Background: The study attempts to investigate the effect of PEMF therapy on Refractory Migraines (RM), both those which were related and those which were not related to menstrual cycle, in a randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled study. Methods: The study attempts to investigate the effect of PEMF therapy on Refractory Migraines (RM), both those which were related and those which were not related to menstrual cycle, in a randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled study. Results: There was a significant improvement for the active group in terms of their headache days, durations and work-loss hours due to headache compared to the placebo group after 2 weeks. The added results of the assessment of the active group indicated a significant improvement in the days and duration of headaches, work-loss hours and number of medications even after a following 4-8-month period. Headache intensity and the amount of medication used for headache were reduced only in RM patients that had headaches which were not related to their menstrual cycles. Conclusions: PEMF (10 Hz, 4-5mT) can be considered as a beneficial and persistent prophylactic treatment option for refractory migraine.