An experimental electronic device designed to relieve migraine pain may offer sufferers a novel treatment to manage the common neurological disease, a study has proven.

Research conducted at the Ohio State University Medical Center, due to be presented at the annual American Headache Society meeting in Boston this Friday, found that the non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulator (TMS) device is effective in easing headaches when administered at the onset of a migraine.

Lead author of the report, neurologist Dr Yousef Mohammad, said: "Stimulation with magnetic pulses from the portable TMS device proved effective for the migraine patients.

"Because of the lack of adverse events in this trial and the established safety of the TMS device, this is a promising treatment for migraines with aura. This sets the stage for future studies in migraines without aura."

The TMS device works by sending a strong electric current via a metal coil, creating a magnetic field. When held against a patient's head, the magnetic pulse creates an electric current in the neurons of the brain, interrupting the aura before it causes migraine.

Out of 164 patients involved in the trial, 39 per cent suffered no pain two hours after treatment, compared to 22 per cent who were given placebo pulses.

Dr Mohammad concluded: "The device's pulses are painless and safe. Since almost all migraine drugs have some side effects, and patients are prone to addiction from narcotics, or developing headaches from frequent use of over-the-counter medication, the TMS device holds great promise for migraine sufferers."

According to the European Headache Alliance, at least ten per cent of Europe's population suffer from migraines.

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