Clinical Research Case Report

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 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 repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation 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 form 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 repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation compared to baseline.

Conclusion: There is a role of applying repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a potential therapeutic modality in the integrated management of a distinct subgroup of migraine patients with comorbid depression.

Keywords: Transcranial, Brain stimulation, Neuromodulation, Magnet therapy, Migraine, Depression