Living with migraines can feel like chasing relief that never quite sticks, but TMS therapy for migraines might be the breakthrough you haven’t heard enough about.
It’s a non-drug, non-invasive option that uses magnetic pulses to change how your brain responds during an attack or even help prevent one.
If medications leave you foggy or don’t work at all, and you're looking for new answers here in FL, keep reading. This could be the next step worth exploring.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) uses short magnetic pulses to target specific areas of the brain involved in migraine activity.
The treatment is noninvasive and does not require medication, making it an option for individuals who don’t respond well to drugs or prefer to avoid them.
There are two main types of TMS used for migraine: single-pulse (sTMS) and repetitive (rTMS).
For patients with chronic migraine who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments, TMS may offer a well-tolerated and effective alternative.
TMS is typically recommended for people with chronic migraine who haven’t found relief through standard treatments. It may also help those who want to reduce their use of migraine medications, particularly in cases of medication overuse or side effect concerns.
That said, medical screening is important. TMS is not recommended in the following situations:
Braces and dental fillings are generally considered safe, but they should still be reviewed by your doctor.
Before starting treatment, providers usually perform a full health history review. In some cases, you may also have an EEG or brain mapping session to guide where the stimulation is applied.
Most people tolerate TMS without significant issues. The treatment does not require anesthesia, and there is no recovery time. Patients are awake and alert during and after each session.
Reported side effects are typically mild and temporary. These may include:
The most serious risk, though rare, is seizure. For this reason, providers take extra precautions when screening candidates. The overall risk remains low when treatment is administered by trained professionals under proper clinical guidelines.
As with any medical therapy, it’s important to report any unusual symptoms to your provider during treatment. Adjustments to pulse strength or session frequency may help reduce discomfort if needed.
TMS for migraine can be delivered in two ways: at home with a prescribed handheld device or in a clinical setting under provider supervision. The treatment schedule depends on the type of TMS being used and the goal, either acute relief or long-term prevention.
For clinic-based repetitive TMS (rTMS), patients usually attend several sessions per week for a few weeks. Each session lasts about 20 minutes. Some providers use EEG or brain mapping during the initial appointment to target treatment more precisely.
For single-pulse TMS (sTMS), patients are trained to use the device at home, typically during the onset of a migraine, especially when aura symptoms begin. In some protocols, preventive daily use is also recommended.
TMS devices are FDA-cleared for both acute and preventive use in migraine. Access requires a prescription, and coverage can vary.
Some insurance plans do not include it, especially for at-home units, so patients may need to pay out of pocket or seek reimbursement.
TMS offers a noninvasive, medication-free option for managing migraine, especially in cases where other treatments haven’t worked well or cause unwanted side effects.
Clinical studies suggest it can help reduce the number of headache days and may lessen symptoms during early migraine onset. Most patients tolerate it well, and sessions require little to no downtime.
At Universal Neurological Care in Jacksonville, FL, we provide access to TMS and other advanced therapies for migraine. If you're exploring next steps in your treatment, we’re here to help you understand whether this approach is right for your condition.
Book a consultation to learn more about your options.
In-clinic rTMS sessions usually last about 20 minutes. At-home sTMS sessions take just a few minutes and are used either at the onset of symptoms or on a daily preventive schedule, depending on the treatment plan.
TMS isn’t a cure for migraines. However, studies show it can reduce the number of headache days per month and lessen symptom intensity. Effectiveness varies from person to person.
Yes, many patients use TMS alongside medications. Your provider will help you decide how to integrate both safely, especially if you’re trying to reduce medication overuse.
