Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci.  2018 Feb;16(1):62-66. 10.9758/cpn.2018.16.1.62.

The Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation at Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in the Treatment of Migraine Comorbid with Depression: A Retrospective Open Study

• Kumar S
• Singh S
• Kumar N
• Verma R

• KMID: 2405235
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.9758/cpn.2018.16.1.62

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The literature on managing migraine non-responsive to pharmacological approaches and that co-occurring with depression is scanty. The comorbid condition predicts a poorer prognosis for migraine as well as depression. The present report assesses efficacy and tolerability of high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as a treatment modality for migraine with comorbid depression.
METHODS
The current retrospective chart review assesses effectiveness of high frequency rTMS over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex as a treatment modality to manage migraine occurring comorbid with depression in 14 subjects.
RESULTS
The mean scores on Migraine Disability Assessment Test (MIDAS) and depression rating scale reduced significantly from 21.14±3.01 and 20.71±3.95 at baseline to 13.93±6.09 and 14.21±5.52 respectively, after rTMS. There was significant improvement in migraine frequency, severity and functional disability assessed using MIDAS scores (p < 0.05) following high frequency rTMS compared to baseline.
CONCLUSION
There is a role of applying rTMS as a potential therapeutic modality in the integrated management of a distinct subgroup of migraine patients with comorbid depression.

Keyword

Transcranial; Brain stimulation; Neuromodulation; rTMS; Migraine; Depression

MeSH Terms

Depression*
Humans
Migraine Disorders*
Prefrontal Cortex*
Prognosis
Retrospective Studies*
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation*