TMS for Migraines in Houston, TX
Migraines affect as many as 12% of Americans and are far more than ordinary headaches; they are a full neurological experience that can disrupt work and daily life. At Houston West TMS, board-certified psychiatrist and Brainsway Deep TMS specialist Dr. William K. Drell offers innovative solutions for chronic migraine problems. Please note that TMS is not FDA approved for migraines and will not be covered by insurance.
Request a TMS AppointmentWhat are migraines?
Migraines often appear as intense headaches that interfere with everyday life. Common symptoms include:
- Severe pain on one side of the head
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Nausea and vomiting
- Visual disturbances such as flashes of light, blind spots, or zigzag lines
- An aura that may appear before the onset of a migraine
Why do people experience migraines?
The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood. Women are more likely to experience them, and there appears to be a hereditary link. Environmental triggers can also play a role. For some people, dietary factors such as MSG, aspartame, alcohol, chocolate, and aged cheese can provoke episodes, while bright or flickering lights, sleep deprivation, stress, low blood sugar, and dehydration are other common triggers. A primary care doctor or neurologist can help identify your triggers and discuss medication options. When those treatments do not provide the relief you want, Deep TMS may help alleviate some of your symptoms.
What treatments are available for migraines?
Migraines often coexist with conditions such as anxiety and depression, and relieving these conditions can help ease migraine frequency. For this reason, talk therapy and other mental health interventions may reduce the occurrence of migraines. As a Brainsway Deep TMS specialist, Dr. Drell offers noninvasive magnetic stimulation that creates electrical currents in the brain to help reduce headache symptoms. According to research, this treatment may reduce headache days by as much as one third.
To learn more about how the technology works, visit our Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Brainsway Deep TMS pages. Because migraines frequently occur alongside mood conditions, you may also be interested in TMS for Depression and TMS for Anxiety.
If you suffer frequent migraine pain, with or without anxiety and depression, and have not found adequate results with conventional treatments, call Houston West TMS at (713) 464-4455 for an evaluation or request your appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TMS help with migraines?
TMS delivers magnetic stimulation that creates electrical currents in the brain, which may help reduce headache symptoms. Research suggests this treatment may reduce headache days by as much as one third for some patients.
Is TMS for migraines FDA approved?
TMS is not FDA approved specifically for migraines and is considered an off-label treatment. As a result, it is generally not covered by insurance. Dr. Drell can discuss self-pay options during your consultation.
What triggers migraines?
Migraine triggers vary, but common ones include certain foods like MSG and aged cheese, bright or flickering lights, stress, sleep deprivation, low blood sugar, and dehydration. Identifying your triggers can help reduce the frequency of episodes.
Can treating anxiety or depression reduce my migraines?
Possibly. Migraines often coexist with anxiety and depression, and improving these conditions may help ease migraine frequency. Deep TMS can address both mood symptoms and migraine symptoms in some patients.
How many TMS sessions are needed for migraines?
The number of sessions varies by individual. Dr. Drell evaluates your symptoms and history to design a treatment plan tailored to your needs and monitors your response throughout.
How do I schedule a TMS evaluation for migraines?
You can schedule an evaluation by calling (713) 464-4455 or requesting an appointment online. Dr. Drell will assess your migraine history and determine whether Deep TMS may help.