Though not yet approved by the US FDA, the California-based medical technology company called Nueralieve has developed a hand-held magnetic device to help ease migraines dubbed as the migraine zapper.

Now, a new study suggests that there may be a drug-free alternative to treating some migraines: a hand-held transcranial magnetic stimulation device that, when held against the bottom of the back of the head, eased migraine symptoms in some study volunteers.

According to Yousef Mohammad, professor of neurology at Ohio State University Medical Center, who is lead author of the new study that is testing the above described device:

Migraines are caused by abnormal brain activity, typically brought on by certain foods, stress, or another trigger. In addition to being painful, the headaches can involve nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Some nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain appear to contribute to the symptoms, and it's this role in the process that the magnetic device is designed to interrupt.

The idea behind the device is that patients will use it when they enter the migraine's aura phase, a period of visual disturbance that can occur before the headache begins. Auras may involve seeing flashing lights, zigzag lines, or other visual hallucinations, or experiencing temporary blind spots, sensitivity to bright light, blurred vision, or eye pain.

Of course, furthere studies are necessary in order to validate cuch initial findings.

Meanwhile, read the full report.

[Photo Credit: U.S. News and World Report, courtesy of Ohio State University Medcial Center]