Headache treatment with pulsing electromagnetic fields: a literature review.
Pulsing electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy may be a viable form of complementary and alternative medicine. Clinical applications include the treatment of fractures, wounds, and heart disease. More recent applications involve treatment of recurrent headache disorders. This paper reviews available studies investigating PEMF for headache management. Possible mechanisms for effects (neurochemical, electrophysical, and cardiovascular) are discussed. The available data suggest that PEMF treatment for headache merits further study. Suggestions for future research are provided.
Vincent
Wilson
W
Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, PO Box 5010, Atlanta, GA 30302-5010, USA.
Andrasik
Frank
F
Sherman
Richard
R
D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome