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TMS, Neurology and Migraine

Basic findings

It is generally accepted that migraine patients present an abnormal cortical activation pattern. TMS has the advantage of being able to assess cortical excitability in an atraumatic and repeatable manner and rTMS can modulate it. TMS has been used to search for cortical dysfunction in migraine (Oxford Handbook) and is being developed as both an acute and preventive treatment (Lipton & Pearlman 2010).

Ongoing research

Monitoring The Disease

The first study of motor cortex TMS in migraine was published in 1992 (Maertens de Noordhout) in a pilot study conducted between attacks in unilateral migraine with aura patients, it was noticed that MEP threshold was significantly increased in the affected hemisphere compared with normal subjects and patients with unilateral migraine without aura. Subsquently, based on the theory that single-pulse TMS may disrupt cortical spreading depression, sTMS has been shown to be effective as an acute treatment for migraine with aura (Lipton & Pearlman 2010).

Modulating The Disease

A recent systematic review into the safety of TMS for migraine concluded that sTMS offers a safe, nonpharmacologic, nonbehavioral therapeutic approach to prescription drugs. Tens of thousands of subjects over two decades have undergone TMS for diagnostic, investigative, and therapeutic intervention trial purposes with minimal adverse events or side effects (Dodick et al 2010).

Novel approaches, such as theta burst stimulation, have suggested comparable effect-size but longer effect-durations. Further, it is hypothesised that the efficacy of TMS can be enhanced by repeating TMS-sessions or using EEG-gated TMS to tailor TMS to current neuronal state (Thut & Pasqual Leone 2010).

Links

References

  • Dodick et al., Headache, 2010.
  • Lipton & Pearlman, Neurotherapeutics, 2010.
  • Thut & Pasqual Leone, Brain Topography, 2010.

Products

  • Magstim 200²
    A single pulse, monophasic stimulator used for cortical and peripheral stimulation.
  • Magstim BiStim² & Upgrade
    The BiStim² is an extension of the 200². Two of the single pulse systems are combined through a connecting module, so that paired pulses can be delivered through one coil.
  • Magstim Rapid², Super Rapid², & the Super Rapid² Plus¹
    The Magstim Rapid² is a single pulse and repetitive stimulator with high frequency capabilities. It is ideal for therapeutic applications as well as a wide variety of research fields.
  • Articulated Coil Stand
    The Magstim Articulated Coil Stand arm is an elegant multi-movement mechanism capable of holding a stimulating coil over an exceptionally wide range of movement.
  • Interface Module
    The Magstim Stimulator Interface Module provides additional interface functionality for all of the 2nd generation Magstim Stimulators (200², BiStim² and Rapid²).
  • Magstim Innovations
    Developed to meet research requirements, Magstim Innovations products can help push the boundaries of neuromodulation and brain stimulation with systems that meet your specific needs.
  • Neuronavigation
    Magstim is working to develop applications that will further advance the field of Neuronavigation, and supports ANT's Visor System.
  • Air Film Coil
    The Magstim Air Film Coil is the first of a new generation of stimulating coils which allow users to stimulate for extended periods of time. This improvement has been achieved as a result of an advanced, registered method of coil design and manufacture
  • Double 70mm Coil
    The Double 70mm coil is capable of accurate stimulation of cortical areas and spinal nerve roots.
  • Double 70mm Cooled Coil System
    The cooled coil is available in the double 70mm configuration and can be run for extended periods of time without overheating thus removing the need to replace coils during protocols of stimulation.
  • Double Cone Coil
    The Double Cone Coil elicits responses from relaxed muscles of the lower pelvic floor and lower limbs.
  • Double Small 25mm Coil
    The Double Small 25mm Coil has been designed for enhanced positional accuracy in peripheral stimulation.
  • High Power 90mm Circular Coil
    The High Power 90mm Coil can be used for central motor conduction studies. The design of the coil allows between 120 and 160 stimuli at the maximum power level before requiring a few minutes to cool.
  • Medium 70mm Circular Coil
    The 70mm coil is designed for Paediatric and Infant use.
  • Small 50mm Circular Coil
    The 50mm coil is focal and effective for nerves 5-15mm deep.
  • HDCkit
    A cost-effective modular system for Direct Current (DC) stimulation, designed specifically for both research and clinical use.

Literature

Video

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More about us

About Us

Magstim provides the means for neuroscientists to work with the human brain in awake subjects by manufacturing and supplying state-of-the-art clinical and research instruments in the fields of:

    - Neurology
     - Neurophysiology
     - Psychiatry
     - Cognitive Neuroscience
     - ENT, Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery (this is managed by our Neurosign division - www.neurosign.com)

    Magstim equipment is able to work in conjunction with many measuring technologies (fMRI/ EEG /PET/Positioning systems) so that questions about brain function can be addressed.

    Through our machines, users can assess, protect and improve the function of the nervous system in a variety of clinical and research situations.

    Our principal products are the Magstim range of magnetic nerve stimulators.

    Other services we offer:

    - Magstim Innovations

    A service designed to help researchers and other users of magnetic stimulation find the best solutions to their problems.

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    Distributors

    Magstim Distributors can be contacted through our Sales Office.