eNeura® sTMS™ mini
The eNeura® sTMS™ mini is an FDA approved non-invasive single-pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS) device. This was previously also called Spring TMS. It is a battery-powered handheld device that can be used for both the prevention and treatment of migraine. The sTMS mini requires a prescription and can be used by adults and children 12 years age and older for the prevention and acute treatment of migraine.1-4
This sTMS is made by eNeura, a medical technology company. eNeura SAVI is a new option and now allows for a remote prescription update.1 They specialize in making portable, non-invasive devices for the drug-free treatment and prevention of migraine.1 It uses magnetic stimulation to the head to provide a both non-invasive, drug-free preventive and acute treatment option for people with migraine.1,4
How does sTMS work?
The sTMS mini is handheld. The device is placed at the back of the head to cradle the base of the skull. It should be held firmly against the head. Treatment starts with the push of a button. The device delivers a strong magnetic pulse that can treat and prevent migraine attacks. It allows a mild electrical current to pass through specially shaped electrical coils. This then creates magnetic fields of different strengths that last specific lengths of time.4 These magnetic fields can painlessly interrupt abnormal electrical activity associated with migraine.1,4
Studies have shown eNeura sTMS mini is a safe, non-invasive technology which can interrupt brain hyperactivity associated with migraine pain which may result in a decrease in pain.1-2
Keeping a migraine diary
The sTMS mini has an online migraine diary. It can help monitor symptoms, track the progress and effectiveness of treatment, and allow you to share the information with your healthcare team. It can take time to feel the results from sTMS and may vary by person. The migraine diary is a handy, useful tool to make the tracking easier.
The sTMS mini is wireless, portable, and designed for use whenever it is needed.1,4
Customizable sTMS treatment
The instructions for use will vary based on individual needs. The programs come loaded on a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card with your personal prescription information. Prescription renewals with new SIM cards are required for continued usage of the device.4
What are some of the possible side effects?
Neurostimulation devices are an important option to help patients who may be sensitive to the side-effects of migraine drugs, or for those who want a drug-free approach. Each person may respond differently to sTMS.4
The most common side effects of sTMS include4:
- Minor dizziness
- Application site tenderness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache and migraine
- Muscle spasm
sTMS should not be used by pregnant women or people with4:
- Epilepsy or a history of seizures
- Head trauma or head injury
- Medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptic agents, or drugs that lower the risk of seizure
- History of stroke
- Certain metals, conductive materials, or metal-containing implants in their head, neck or upper body
- Implanted medical devices, such as a pacemaker, vagus stimulator, shunts, stents, cardioverter defibrillator, hearing aid implant and many more
- Metallic implants such as a stent, bone plate or screw
Metals and conductive materials can be affected by a magnetic field and improper use can result in serious or life-threatening medical conditions.4 Do not apply the device to other areas of the body. When using the device stay at least 2 feet away from other people and keep away from metal and other electronic devices.4
This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your doctor about your other medical conditions and current migraine treatments to find out if eNeura sTMS mini is right for you.
What else should you know?
TMS is used in a wide range of neuromodulation therapies which use electrical fields to modulate- change, brain activity. For years this kind of treatment was only available in the doctor’s office. Advances in technology have led to the development of smaller, user-friendly, portable devices.4
Clinical trials have shown sTMS to be as effective as drugs used to treat migraines with fewer risks or side effects. People using the eNeura device reported both a reduction in the number of headache days, relief from migraine pain, and a shorter duration of headaches.2 Study participants also reported a decrease in the use of migraine drugs.2
Prescription drug treatment has been the standard of care for most migraine attacks. eNeura transcranial magnetic stimulation offers alternative preventive and acute treatment options for both adults and children who suffer with migraines.1,4 Research suggests this kind of neurostimulation offers a convenient and effective reduction in migraine attacks as well as pain relief for those with episodic migraine.1,4
Each eNeura unit comes with an AC adapter for charging, user’s manual, cleaning, and storage instructions. The company provides one-to-one support from clinical education specialists to help users get started with the device.
For more details, check out more information on sTMS.
Editorial Note: As of August 7, 2020, eNeura Inc. filed for bankruptcy. No information on if they will continue to produce the device has been announced yet.
