Licia Grazzi1, Emanuela Sansone2, Paul Rizzoli3. 1. 3rd Neurology Unit, Neuroalgology, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy. licia.grazzi@istituto-besta.it. 2. 3rd Neurology Unit, Neuroalgology, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy. 3. John Graham Headache Centre/Faulkner Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this short review, the most common non-invasive neuromodulatory techniques will be described, along with their advantages and disadvantages and their application in headache. Available preventive treatments can be unhelpful or may have unpleasant side effects; moreover, the rate of response to preventive drugs does not exceed 50%, lower in chronic migraine; alternative options would be welcome. Though the concept of neuromodulation was originally developed with invasive methods, newer non-invasive techniques are appearing. RECENT FINDINGS: The novel neuromodulatory techniques have been developed with encouraging results: compared with traditional pharmacotherapy, advantages of non-invasive neuromodulation include reduced incidence of adverse effects, improved adherence, and safety and ease of use. The results are encouraging for acute or preventive treatment of different kinds of headache. A variety of neuromodulatory approaches is expanding fastly and has opened new possibilities for treatment of patients suffering from many forms of headache, especially those who have failed traditional pharmacotherapy. The non-invasive treatments can be seen as supplementing traditional management in refractory patients. Current study results are encouraging but preliminary and larger and more rigorous trials are needed to clarify benefit and mode of action.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this short review, the most common non-invasive neuromodulatory techniques will be described, along with their advantages and disadvantages and their application in headache. Available preventive treatments can be unhelpful or may have unpleasant side effects; moreover, the rate of response to preventive drugs does not exceed 50%, lower in chronic migraine; alternative options would be welcome. Though the concept of neuromodulation was originally developed with invasive methods, newer non-invasive techniques are appearing. RECENT FINDINGS: The novel neuromodulatory techniques have been developed with encouraging results: compared with traditional pharmacotherapy, advantages of non-invasive neuromodulation include reduced incidence of adverse effects, improved adherence, and safety and ease of use. The results are encouraging for acute or preventive treatment of different kinds of headache. A variety of neuromodulatory approaches is expanding fastly and has opened new possibilities for treatment of patients suffering from many forms of headache, especially those who have failed traditional pharmacotherapy. The non-invasive treatments can be seen as supplementing traditional management in refractory patients. Current study results are encouraging but preliminary and larger and more rigorous trials are needed to clarify benefit and mode of action.
Authors: David Wilkinson; Kristen K Ade; Lesco L Rogers; Deborah K Attix; Maragatha Kuchibhatla; Martin D Slade; Lanty L Smith; Kathryn P Poynter; Daniel T Laskowitz; Marshall C Freeman; Michael E Hoffer; Joel R Saper; Dianne L Scott; Mohamed Sakel; Anne H Calhoun; Robert D Black Journal: Headache Date: 2017-06-27 Impact factor: 5.887
Authors: Licia Grazzi; Claudia Toppo; Domenico D'Amico; Matilde Leonardi; Paolo Martelletti; Alberto Raggi; Erika Guastafierro Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-02-05 Impact factor: 3.390