Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Headache Treatment with Pulsing Electromagnetic Fields: A Literature Review

  • Published:
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Pulsing electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy may be a viable form of complementary and alternative medicine. Clinical applications include the treatment of fractures, wounds, and heart disease. More recent applications involve treatment of recurrent headache disorders. This paper reviews available studies investigating PEMF for headache management. Possible mechanisms for effects (neurochemical, electrophysical, and cardiovascular) are discussed. The available data suggest that PEMF treatment for headache merits further study. Suggestions for future research are provided.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Andrasik, F. (2001). Assessment of patients with headaches. In D. C. Turk & R. Melzack (Eds.), Handbook of pain assessment (pp. 454–474, 2nd Ed.). NY: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andrasik, F. (2007). What does the evidence show? Efficacy of behavioural treatments for recurrent headaches in adults. Neurological Sciences, 28, S70–S77.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Andrasik, F., Lipchik, G. L., McCrory, D. C., & Wittrock, D. A. (2005). Outcome measurement in behavioral headache research: Headache parameters and psychosocial outcomes. Headache, 45, 429–437.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Andrasik, F., & Rime, C. (2007). Can behavioural therapy influence neuromodulation? Neurological Sciences, 28, S124–S129.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Aaron, R. K., Ciombor, D. M., & Jolly, G. (1989). Stimulation of experimental endochondral ossification by low-energy pulsing electromagnetic fields. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 4, 227–233.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Aaron, R. K., Lennox, D., Bunce, G. E., & Ebert, T. (1989). The conservative treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A comparison of pulsed electromagnetic fields and core decompression. Seventeenth open meeting of the hip society. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 249, 209.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Barclay, V., Collier, R., & Jones, A. (1983). Treatment of various hand; injuries by pulsed electromagnetic energy. Physiotherapy, 69, 186–188.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bassett, C. A., Mitchell, S. N., & Gaston, S. R. (1982). Pulsing electromagnetic field treatment in united fractures and failed arthrodeses. Journal of the American Medical Association, 247, 623–628.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bassett, L. S., Pawluk, R. J., & Becker, R. O. (1964). Effects of electric currents on bone in vivo. Nature, 204, 652.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bellossi, A., & Desplaces, A. (1991). Effect of an 9 mT pulsed magnetic field on C3H/Bi female mice with mammary carcinoma: A comparison between the 12 Hz and the 460 Hz frequencies. In Vivo, 5, 39–40.

  • Bigliani, L. U., Rosenwasser, M. P., Caulo, N., Schink, M. M., & Bassett, C. A. (1983). The use of pulsing electromagnetic fields to achieve arthrodesis of the knee following failed total knee arthroplasty. A preliminary report. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery–American Volume, 65, 480–485.

    Google Scholar 

  • Borsalino, G., Bagnacani, M., Bettati, E., Fornaciari, F., Rocchi, R., Uluhogian, S., et al. (1988). Electrical stimulation of human femoral intertrochanteric osteotomies. Double-blind study. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 237, 256–263.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cane, V., Botti, P., Farneti, D., & Soana, S. (1991). Electromagnetic stimulation of bone: A histomorphometric study. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 9, 908–917.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Capanna, R., Donati, D., Masetti, C., Manfrini, M., Panozzo, A., Cadossi, R., et al. (1994). Effect of electromagnetic fields on patients undergoing massive bone graft following bone tumor resection. A double blind study. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 306, 213–221.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Colson, N. J., Lea, R. A., Quinlan, S., & Griffiths, L. R. (2006). The role of vascular and hormonal genes in migraine susceptibility. Molecular Genetics and Metabolism, 88, 107–113.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Das Sarkar, S, & Bassett, C. A. (1991). Healing of nonunion of a fractured lateral condyle of the humerus by pulsing electromagnetic induction. Contemporary Orthopaedics, 22, 47–51.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Di Silvestre, M., & Savini, R. (1992). Pulsing electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) in spinal fusion: preliminary clinical results. La Chirurgia Degli Organi di Movimento, 77, 289–294.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dolgikh, V. V., Bimbaev, A. B., Bairova, T. A., & Duibanova, N. V. (2005). Impulse low-intensity electromagnetic field in the treatment of adolescents with essential arterial hypertension. Voprosy Kurortologii, Fizioterapii, i Lechebnoĭ Fizicheskoĭ Kultury, 6, 13–15.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Duma-Drzewinska, A., & Buczynski, A. Z. (1978). Pulsed high frequency currents (Diapulse) applied in treatment of bed-sores. Polski Tygodnik Lekarski (Warsaw), 33, 885–887.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erdman, W. (1960). Peripheral blood flow measurements during application of pulsed high frequency currents. American Journal of Orthopaedics, 2, 196–197.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ernst, E., & Resch, K. L. (1995). The “optional cross-over design” for randomized clinical trials. Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology, 9, 508–511.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, G., Pelka, R. B., & Barovic, J. (2005). Adjuvant treatment of knee osteoarthritis with weak pulsing magnetic fields: Results of a placebo-controlled trial prospective clinical trial. Zeitschrift für Orthopädie und ihre Grenzgebiete, 143, 544–550.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ganelina I. E. (1994). Electromagnetic radiation of extremely high frequencies in complex therapy for severe stenocardia. Millimetrovie Volni v Biologii I Meditcine, 4, 17–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gershon, A. A., Dannon, P. N., & Grunhaus, L. (2003). Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of depression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 160, 835–845.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gorji, A. (2001). Spreading depression: A review of the clinical relevance. Brain Research Reviews, 38, 33–60.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gorpinchenko, I. I. (1995). The use of magnetic devices in treating sexual disorders in men. Likarśka Sprava, 3–4, 95–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grant, G., Cadossi, R., & Steinberg, G. (1994). Protection against focal cerebral ischemia following exposure to pulsed EMF. Bioelectromagnetics, 15, 205–216.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grazzi, L., & Andrasik, F. (2006). Medication-overuse headache: Description, treatment, and relapse prevention. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 10, 71–77.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Grunner, O. (1985). Cerebral use of a pulsating magnetic field in neuropsychiatry patients with long-term headache. EEG EMG Zeitschrift für Elektroenzephalographie, Elektromyographie und verwandte Gebiete, 16, 227–230.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gunalp, B., Ozguven, M., Ozturk, E., Ercenk, B., & Bayhan, H. (1992). Role of bone scanning in the management of non-united fractures: A clinical study. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 19, 845–847.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hanke, W., Wiedemann, M., & de Lima, V. M. (2001). Control of the excitability of neuronal tissue by weak external forces. Faraday Discuss, 120, 237–248.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Headache classification subcommittee of the International Headache Society. (2004). The international classification of headache disorders: 2nd edition. Cephalalgia, 24(supplement 1), 1–160.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heller, R., Jaroszeski, M., Perrott, R., Messina, J., & Gilbert, R. (1997). Effective treatment of B16 melanoma by direct delivery of bleomycin using electrochemotherapy. Melanoma Research, 7, 10–18.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirata, M., Kusuzaki, K., Takeshita, H., Hashiguchi, S., Hirasawa, Y., & Ashihara, T. (2001). Drug resistance modification using pulsing electromagnetic field stimulation of multidrug resistant mouse osteosarcoma cell line. Anticancer Research, 21(1A), 317–320.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ieran, M., Zaffuto, S., Bagnacani, M., Annovi, M., Moratti, A., & Cadossi, R. (1990). Effect of low frequency pulsing electromagnetic fields on skin ulcers of venous origin in humans: A double-blind study. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 8, 276–282.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ijiri, K., Matsunaga, S., Fukuyama, K., Maeda, S., Sakou, T., Kitano, M., et al. (1996). The effect of pulsing electromagnetic field on bone ingrowth into a porous coated implanted. Melanoma Research, 16(5A), 2853–2856.

    Google Scholar 

  • Institute of Medicine (United States). (2001). Crossing the quality chasm: A new health system for the 21st century. Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Institute of Medicine (United States). (2005). Committee on the use of complementary and alternative medicine in the U.S. complementary and alternative medicine in the United States. Washington, D.C.: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ionescu, A., Ionescu, D., Milinescu, S., Talnal, E., & Vireu, S. (1982). Study of efficiency of diapulse therapy on the dynamics of enzymes in burned wound. Presented at the Sixth International Congress on Burns.

  • Ito, H., & Bassett, C. A. (1983). Effect of weak, pulsing electromagnetic fields on neural regeneration in the rat. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 181, 283–290.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ito, H., & Shirai, Y. (2001). The efficacy of ununited tibial fracture treatment using pulsing electromagnetic fields: Relation to biological activity on nonunion bone ends. Journal of Nippon Medical School, 68, 149–153.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ito, H., Shirai. Y., & Gembun, Y. (2000). A case of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia treated with pulsing electromagnetic fields. 17-year follow-up. Journal of Nippon Medical School, 67, 198–201.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Itoh, M., Montemayor, J., Matsumoto, E., Eason, A., Lee, M., & Folk, F. (1991). Accelerated would healing of pressure ulcers by electromagnetic field (Diapulse). Decubitus, 4, 24–34.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Iurlov, V. M., Eksareva, T. A., & Dolodarenko, V. F. (1989). The Efficacy of the use of low-frequency electromagnetic fields in chronic bronchitis. Voenno-meditsinskiĭ Zhurnal, 3, 35–36.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jorgensen, W. A., Frome, B. M., & Wallach, C. (1994). Electrochemical therapy of pelvic pain: effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on tissue trauma. The European Journal of Surgery. Supplement, 574, 83–86.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kahanovitz, N., Arnoczky, S. P., Nemzek, J., & Shores, A. (1994). The effect of electromagnetic pulsing on posterior lumbar spinal fusions in dogs. Spine, 19, 705–709.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kaplan, E., & Weinstock, R. (1968). Clinical evaluation of diapulse as adjunctive therapy following foot surgery. Journal of the American Podiatry Association, 58, 218–221.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Karlov, V. A., Rodshtat, I. V., Kalashnikov, I. D., Kitaeva, L. V., & Khokhlov, I. K. (1991). Experience with using extremely high frequency radiotherapy of the millimeter wave range in cerebrovascular disorders. Sovetskaia Meditsina, 3, 20–21.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Karpukhin, I. V., & Bogomol’nii, V. A. (1996). Local vacuum-magnetotherapy of impotency patients. Voprosy Kurortologii, Fizioterapii, i Lechebnoĭ Fizicheskoĭ Kultury, 2, 38–40.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Katsarava, Z., & Jensen, R. (2007). Medication-overuse headache: Where are we now? Current Opinions in Neurology, 20, 326–330.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kniazeva, T. A., Otto, M. P., Markarov, G. S., Donova, O. M., & Markarova, I. S. (1994). The efficacy of low-intensity exposures in hypertension. Voprosy Kurortologii, Fizioterapii, i Lechebnoĭ Fizicheskoĭ Kultury, 1, 8–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krillov, I. B., Suchkova, Z. V., Lastushkin, A. V., Sigaev, A. A., & Neghaeva, T. I. (1996). Magnetotherapy in the comprehensive treatment of vascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Klinicheskaia Meditsina (Mosk), 74, 39–41.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lake, A. E. III. (2006). Medication overuse headache: Biobehavioral issues and solutions. Headache, 46(Suppl 3), S88–S97.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lappin, M. S. (2004). Non-invasive pulsed electromagnetic therapy for migraine and multiple sclerosis. In P. J. Rosch & M. Markov (Eds.), Bioelectromagnetic medicine. New York: Marcel Dekker Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lappin, M. S., Lawrie, F. W., & Richards, T. L. (2003). Effects of pulsed electromagnetic therapy on multiple sclerosis fatigue and quality of life: A double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 9, 38–48.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lauritzen, M. (2001). Cortical spreading depression in migraine. Cephalalgia, 21, 757–760.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Leão, A. A. P. (1944a). Pial circulation and spreading depression of activity in the cerebral cortex. Journal of Neurophysiology, 7, 391–396.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leão, A. A. P. (1944b). Spreading depression of activity in the cerebral cortex. Journal of Neurophysiology, 7, 359–390.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lente, R. W. (1859). Cases of un-united fracture treated by electricity. New York State Journal of Medicine, 5, 317.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lin, Y., Nishimura, R., Nozaki, K., Sasaki, N., Kadosawa, T., Goto, N., et al. (1992). Effects of pulsing electromagnetic fields on the ligament healing in rabbits. The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 54, 1017–1022.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, Y., Nishimura, R., Nozaki, K., Sasaki, N., Kadosawa, T., Goto, N., et al. (1993). Collagen production and maturation at the experimental ligament defect stimulated by pulsing electromagnetic fields in rabbits. The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 55, 527–531.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Long, L., Huntley, A., & Ernst, E. (2001). Which complementary and alternative therapies benefit which conditions? A survey of the opinions of 223 professional organizations. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 9, 178–185.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Matsunaga, S., Sakou, T., & Ijiri, K. (1996). Osteogenesis by pulsing electromagnetic fields (PEMFs): Optimum stimulation setting. In Vivo, 10, 351–356.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Merikangas, K. R., & Rasmussen, B. K. (2000). Migraine comorbidity. In J. Olesen, P. Tfelt-Hansen, & K. M. A. Welch (Eds.), The headaches (pp. 235–240, 2nd Ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mishima, S. (1988). The effect of long-term pulsing electromagnetic field stimulation on experimental osteoporosis of rats. Journal of UOEH, 10, 31–45.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Miyagi, N., Sato, K., Rong, Y., Yamamura, S., Katagiri, H., Kobayashi, K., et al. (2000). Effects of PEMF on a murine osteosarcoma cell line: Drug-resistant (P-glycoprotein-positive) and non-resistant cells. Bioelectromagnetics, 21, 112–121.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). (2000). Expanding horizons of healthcare: Five-year strategic plan 2001–2005 (NIH Publication No. 01-5001). Washington, D.C.: United States Department of Health and Human Services.

  • O’Connor, M., Bentall, R., & Monahan, J. (1990). Emerging electromagnetic medicine. New York: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Okada, Y. C., Lauritzen, M., & Nicholson, C. (1988). Magnetic field associated with spreading depression: A model for the detection of migraine. Brain Research, 442, 185–190.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Omote, Y. (1988). An experimental attempt to potentiate therapeutic effects of combined use of pulsing magnetic fields and antitumor agents. Nippon Geka Gassai Sasshi, 89, 1155–1166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orlov, L. L., Alekseeva, N. P., Slutskii, I. I., Galuza, G. I., & Chogovadze, V. A. (1986). Various humoral factors regulating blood pressure in patients with hypertension during treatment by an impulse magnetic field. Kardiologiia, 26, 56–60.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Oschman, J. L. (2004). Recent developments in bioelectromagnetic medicine. In P. J. Rosch & M. S. Markov (Eds.), Bioelectromagnetic medicine. New York: Macel Dekker, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pasquinelli, P., Petrini, M., Mattii, L., Galimberti, S., Saviozzi, M., & Malvaldi, G. (1993). Biological effect of PEMF (pulsing electromagnetic field): An attempt to modify cell resistance to anticancer agents. Journal of Environmental Pathology Toxicology and Oncology, 12, 193–197.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pelka, R. B., Jaenicke, C., & Gruenwald, J. (2001). Impulse magnetic-field therapy for migraine and other headaches: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Advances in Therapy, 18, 101–109.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pennington, G., Danley, D., Sumko, M., Bucknkell, A., & Nelson, J. (1993). Pulsed, non-thermal, high-frequency electromagnetic energy (Diapulse) in the treatment of grade I and II ankle sprains. Military Medicine, 158, 101–104.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Penzien, D. B., Andrasik, F., Freidenberg, B. M., Houle, T. T, Lake, A. E., 3rd, Lipchik, G. L., Holroyd, K. A., Lipton, R. B., McCrory, D. C., Nash, J. M., Nicholson, R. A., Powers, S. W., Rains, J. C., Wittrock, D. A., & American Headache Society Behavioral Clinical Trials Workgroup. (2005). Guidelines for trials of behavioral treatments for recurrent headache, first edition: American Headache Society Behavioral Clinical Trials Workgroup. Headache, 45(Suppl 2), S110–S132.

  • Peroutka, S. J. (2005). Neurogenic inflammation and migraine: Implications for therapeutics. Molecular Interventions, 5, 304–311.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pienkowski, D., Pollack, S. R., Brighton, C. T., & Griffith, N. J. (1992). Comparison of asymmetrical and symmetrical pulse waveforms in electromagnetic stimulation. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 10, 247–255.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pienkowski, D., Pollack, S. R., Brighton, C. T., & Griffith, N. J. (1994). Low-power electromagnetic stimulation of osteotomized rabbit fibulae. A randomized, blinded study. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery–American Volume, 76, 489–501.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prusinski, A., Wielka, J., & Durko, A. (1988). Pulsating electromagnetic field in the therapy of headache. Journal of Bioelectricity, 7, 127–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross, J. (1990). Biological effects of pulsing electromagnetic fields using Diapulse. In M. O’Connor, R. Bentall, & J. Monahan (Eds.), Emerging electromagnetic medicine (pp. 269–281). New York: Springier-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Salzberg, C. A., Cooper-Vastola, S., Perez, F., Viehbeck, M., & Byrne, D. (1995). The effects of non-thermal pulsed electromagnetic energy (Diapulse) on wound healing of pressure ulcers in spinal cord-injured patients: A randomized, double-blind study. Wounds, 7, 11–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sandyk, R. (1992). The influence of the pineal gland on migraine and cluster headaches and effects of treatment with picoTesla magnetic fields. The International Journal of Neuroscience, 67, 145–171.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sandyk, R. (1994). Alzheimer’s disease: Improvement of visual memory and visuoconstructive performance by treatment with picotesla range magnetic fields. The International Journal of Neuroscience, 76, 185–225.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Schoenen, J. (2006). Neurophysiological features of the migrainous brain. Neurological Sciences, 27, S77–S81.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sharrard, W. J. (1990). A double-blind trial of pulsed electromagnetic fields for delayed union of tibial fractures. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-British Volume, 72, 347–355.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sherman, R. A., Acosta, N. M., & Robson, L. (1999). Treatment of migraine with pulsing electromagnetic fields: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Headache, 39, 567–575.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sherman, R., & Karstetter, K. (1991). Potentiation of normal healing of stress fractures using pulsing electromagnetic fields. Three year grant from EBI Medical Systems, Diapulse Corporation, and The U.S. Army’s Medical Research and Material Command.

  • Sherman, R. A., Robson, L, & Marden, L. A. (1998). Initial exploration of pulsing electromagnetic fields for treatment of migraine. Headache, 38, 208–213.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shimizu, T., Zerwekh, J. E., & Videman, T. (1988). Bone ingrowth into porous calcium phosphate ceramics: Influence of pulsing electromagnetic field. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 6, 248–258.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sidorov, V. D., & Pershin, S. B. (1993). Immunomodulating effect of microwaves and ultrahigh frequency electric field in patients with systemic lupus erythmatosus. Bioelectrochemistry and bioenergetics, 30, 327–330.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Simmons, J. W. (1985). Treatment of failed posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) of the spine with pulsing electromagnetic fields. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 193, 127–132.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Siniatchkin, M., Averkina, N., Andrasik, F., Stephani, U., & Gerber, W. (2006). Neurophysiological reacitivity before a migraine attack. Neuroscience Letters, 400, 121–124.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stillings, D. (2004). The theology of electricity: Electricity, alchemy, and the unconscious. In P. J. Rosch & M. S. Markov (Eds.), Bioelectromagnetic medicine. New York: Macel Dekker, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suntsov, V. V. (1991). Treatment of acute diffuse otitis externa by low-frequency magnetic field. Vestnik Otorinolaringologii, 6, 35–38.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Takayama, K., Nomura, H., Tanaka, J., Zborowski, M., Harasaki, H., Jacobs, G. B., et al. (1990). Effect of pulsing electromagnetic field on metabolically derived osteoporosis in rats: A pilot study. ASAIO Transactions, 36(3), M426–M428.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Technology Evaluation. (1989). Pulsing electromagnetic fields and fracture management. Medical Department. EBI Medical Systems, Inc.

  • Varcaccio-Garofalo, G., Carriero, C., Loizzo, M. R., Amoruso, S., & Loizzi, P. (1995). Analgesic properties of EMF therapy in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology, 22, 350–354.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vernon, H., McDermain, C. S., & Hagino, C. (1999). Systematic review of randomized clinical trials of complementary/alternative therapies in the treatment of tension-type and cervicogenic headache. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 7, 142–155.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, D. (1972). Treatment of soft-tissue injuries by using pulsing electromagnetic field. British Medical Journal, 2, 269–270.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yasuda, I. (1953). Fundamental aspects of fracture treatment. Journal of the Kyoto Medical Society, 4, 395–406.

    Google Scholar 

  • Young, S., & Davey, R. (1993). Pilot study concerning the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic energy on migraine. International Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, October.

  • Zienowicz, R. J., Thomas, B. A., Kurtz, W. H., & Orgel, M. G. (1991). A multivariate approach to the treatment of peripheral nerve transection injury: The role of electromagnetic field therapy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 87, 122–129.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the UWF Office of Sponsored Research for funding that helped make this review project possible and Ms. Sabina Kraewicz for her invaluable assistance with language translation.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 5010, Atlanta, GA, 30302-5010, USA

    Wilson Vincent

  2. Department of Psychology, University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, FL, 32514, USA

    Frank Andrasik

  3. Behavioral Medicine Research and Training Foundation, Port Angeles, WA, USA

    Richard Sherman

Authors
  1. Wilson Vincent
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Frank Andrasik
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Richard Sherman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Frank Andrasik.

 

 

Appendix A Table of studies exemplifying the variety of clinical applications of PEMF therapy
Full size table

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Vincent, W., Andrasik, F. & Sherman, R. Headache Treatment with Pulsing Electromagnetic Fields: A Literature Review. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 32, 191–207 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-007-9045-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10484-007-9045-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation