If you had success with the SpringTMS or sTMS mini, what can you do for treatment in the wake of the eNeura bankruptcy news? A number of you have asked this question and, unfortunately, there’s no great answer. eNeura had no backup plan in place for patients to continue accessing the device and there’s no news about another company purchasing the assets. (Though it’s been just over two months since eNeura filed for bankruptcy, so that may still happen in time.)
Here are some ideas for alternatives to talk to your health care provider about.
TMS stands for transcranial magnetic stimulation. This technology first became known as an in-office treatment for depression and is offered by psychiatrists. If you only used the SpringTMS as an acute treatment, it’s worth checking to see if any psychiatrists near you offer the treatment in their offices. The device and protocol are different, but the basic technology is the same. A psychiatrist might be willing to work with you to find an effective use for migraine. (I admit this is a long shot. It’s the only way I know to access TMS currently.)
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a less well-known therapy that has been studied for migraine. When I first wrote about TMS, a tDCS researcher reached out to tell me that he thought tDCS was a more effective treatment. That’s about all I can tell you—it has been researched and has shown some promise—but I don’t know how similar it is to TMS. It does seem closer to TMS than the other available devices, but my take is not rooted in a careful scientific analysis. However, it is something to talk to your health care provider about in case tDCS is a good alternative for you.
And that’s really your best option—talk with your health care provider about what might be a good treatment given your particular migraine symptoms and frequency and which treatments you have responded to in the past. Other devices (like gammaCore, Cefaly, or Nerivio) are possibilities, though their technologies are different than TMS. Or maybe a CGRP inhibitor would be a good option for you. Only you and your health care provider can find the best solution for you.
I wish I had better suggestions. My heart hurts for everyone who has experienced an increase in the frequency or severity of their migraine attacks from no longer having access to this device. I will share any new information as it becomes available.
Note: I’m having some temporary issues with comments not appearing on the blog. I still see comments you leave and if you check the box that says “Notify me when new comments are added to this post,” you’ll get an email when I reply. I’m working on getting the comment view fixed ASAP.
When I was 16 my mom started having terrible migraines. I will never forget these days. She could not find a place for herself. Then there were also problems with skin and hair. Mom was literally left without hair …. This period was the most difficult in her life, the migraines were very strong. We went to more than 10 doctors and no one could help us. But then one drug lessened my mother’s suffering a little. And then many more pills were added. We talked with our doctor then about the most effective drugs for migraine and about tDCS, but then I didn’t even know about it. Now my mom is doing well. And I will hope that it helps many. Thanks for such a helpful article.
Hi Kushly, I’m so glad you mom is doing well! Thanks for the information and kind words.
Take care,
Kerrie
My son had been using the stms device since Jan 2019. After many awful years, and his inability to take the new Cgrp meds, his migraines had nearly disappeared the the help of this device. Now he is trying to wean off because his SIM card will soon be inactive, and it’s been a nightmare with migraines since. I am desperate to figure out a way for him to be able to use this again. Does anyone have any contacts that possibly could help us?
Hi Caryn, I’m so sorry that your son has lost access to the device. The Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients (CHAMP) reached out to the manufacturer and researchers who had worked on the device. All they learned is that it currently is unavailable and, as of September 2020, there’s nothing in the works to make it available again. I wish there were more we could do, but it’s in a holding pattern right now. I wish you and your son all the best in finding an effective treatment. My heart hurts for him.
Take care,
Kerrie