Does tDCS is Effective in the Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in the Visual Cortex of Migraine Patients: Neurophysiological and Clinical Implications

Migraine has been described as one of the most common neurological diseases, with high social and economic impact. Despite the high prevalence, the pathophysiology of migraine is still unknown, several studies have been developed in order to advance the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease which are not yet entirely elucidated. The aim of this study is to observe the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), applied in the visual cortex, on neurophysiological and clinical measures (frequency, intensity, duration of attacks and severity of pain) in migraine patients.

Inclusion criteria for migraine patients:

• Age must be between 18 to 40 years
• Gender: male and female
• Diagnosis must meet the 2004 IHS criteria for migraine without aura and migraine with aura
• Duration of the disease must be at least 12 months
• Patients had no preventative medication consistently for at least six months prior to study initiation.

Inclusion criteria for healthy individuals

• Age must be between 18 to 40 years
• Gender: male and female
• Individuals who have not filed headache crisis in the last year assessed according to the 2004 IHS criteria

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant woman
• Individuals with clinical evidence of brain injury
• Metallic implant head
• Pacemaker
• History of seizure and chronic pain associated with other pathologies