Highlights
- •A new approach of different stimulation from the classical pain approach to migraine is proposed.
- •Characterization of functional markers as predictors of response.
- •Employment of treatment that is easy to use, low cost, safe and feasible.
Abstract
Although transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) represents a therapeutic option
for the prophylaxis of chronic migraine, the target area for application of the electrical
current to the cortex has not yet been well established. Here we sought to determine
whether a treatment protocol involving 12 sessions of 2 mA, 20 min anodal stimulation of the left primary motor (M1) or dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
(DLPFC) could offer clinical benefits in the management of pain from migraine. Thirteen
participants were assessed before and after treatment, using the Headache Impact Test-6,
Visual Analogue Scale and Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short - Form Health Survey.
After treatment, group DLPFC exhibited a better performance compared with groups M1
and sham. On intragroup comparison, groups DLPFC and M1 exhibited a greater reduction
in headache impact and pain intensity and a higher quality of life after treatment.
No significant change was found in group sham. The participants in group M1 exhibited
more adverse effects, especially headache, heartburn, and sleepiness, than did those
in the other two groups. Transcranial direct current stimulation is a safe and efficacious
technique for treating chronic migraine. However, it should be kept in mind that the
site of cortical stimulation might modulate the patient's response to treatment.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 03, 2017
Accepted:
May 2,
2017
Received in revised form:
April 4,
2017
Received:
October 10,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
