TMS for Migraine & Other Neurological Disorders

Understanding Migraine and Neurological Disorders

Migraines and other neurological conditions can severely impact quality of life — causing chronic pain, fatigue, and difficulty focusing or functioning day-to-day.

When traditional medications and therapies provide limited relief, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative that targets the root cause: abnormal brain activity.

How TMS Works for Migraine

Migraines are believed to begin with a phenomenon called cortical spreading depression — a wave of abnormal brain activity that triggers headache and aura symptoms.

Research has shown that single-pulse TMS (sTMS) can disrupt cortical spreading depression, reducing migraine severity and duration.

In clinical studies, patients treated with sTMS during a migraine aura experienced faster pain relief and decreased need for rescue medication.

Animal model studies confirm that sTMS effectively interrupts cortical spreading depression, supporting its use as an acute migraine therapy.

To make treatment accessible beyond the clinic, portable sTMS devices have been developed, allowing patients to manage migraine attacks conveniently at home.

TMS for Chronic Migraine Prevention

While sTMS helps stop migraines once they begin, repetitive TMS (rTMS) is being explored as a preventive option.

By modulating brain excitability and neurotransmitter activity, rTMS may help reduce migraine frequency, intensity, and overall disability.

Though research is still evolving, early clinical studies show that stimulating the motor and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices can lead to measurable improvement in chronic migraine sufferers who have not responded to medications.

Other Neurological Disorders That May Benefit

Beyond migraine management, TMS is also being studied and used off-label for a variety of neurological and pain conditions, including:

Fibromyalgia
Neuropathic pain
Post-stroke rehabilitation
Tinnitus
Parkinson’s disease (for motor and mood symptoms)
Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue

By improving brain connectivity and neuronal function, TMS offers a non-invasive approach to restoring neurological balance across these conditions.

Benefits of TMS for Migraine & Neurological Conditions

Non-invasive and medication-free
Effective for both acute and preventive migraine care
Minimal side effects — no sedation or downtim
Can complement ongoing neurologic treatment plans
Proven to reduce pain perception and improve daily function
Portable options available for home use

What to Expect

Each TMS session typically lasts 20–30 minutes. You’ll sit comfortably while a small magnetic coil is placed on your scalp to deliver targeted pulses.

Most patients report a light tapping sensation on the head during treatment. There is no anesthesia, recovery period, or systemic side effects — you can resume normal activities immediately afterward.

Discover Relief Through TMS

If you suffer from migraines or neurological symptoms that haven’t improved with conventional care, TMS may offer a safe, effective, and lasting solution.

At Dr. Gupta’s Sleep, TMS & Wellness Psychiatry in Great Neck, NY, we use advanced neuromodulation therapies to help you find relief and restore balance to your brain and life.