The Effects of Exposure to Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields in the Treatment of Migraine Headache: A Cohort Study.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Findings have indicated that increased usage of mobile phones may be concomitant with higher rate of headache attacks due to the low radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of low RF-EMF on the treatment outcome in migraine patients. METHODS: This cohort study was performed on 114 migraine patients referred to the Neurology Clinic of Golestan Hospital in Ahvaz, Southwest Iran, from September 2014 to March 2015. Patients with migraine were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire exploring mobile phones, Wi-Fi devices and fixed-line telephone use as RF-EMF sources. After 3 months, we determined patients' response to treatment. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) tests were carried out to analyze data, using SPSS version 17. RESULTS: Out of 114 individuals who participated, 82 (71.9%) were female and 32 (28.1%) cases were male. The number and severity of migraine headaches were correlated significantly with an increased use of mobile phones during day and Wi-Fi per week (p<0.05). The usage of fixed-line telephones had no significant relationship with the study variables (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: It is recommended that the patients with migraine headache limit mobile phone use and instead, use the fixed-line telephone for their daily telecommunications.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

In 114 migraine patients followed for 3 months, the number and severity of migraine headaches were significantly correlated with increased mobile phone use during the day and Wi-Fi use per week (p<0.05). Fixed-line telephone use was not significantly related to the study variables (p>0.05).

Outcomes measured

• Number of migraine headaches
• Severity of migraine headaches
• Response to treatment after 3 months

Limitations

• Exposure was self-reported via questionnaire (mobile phone/Wi-Fi/fixed-line use)
• Observational cohort design; correlation reported (causality not established)
• No RF exposure metrics reported (e.g., frequency, SAR, field strength)
• Single clinic sample from one hospital/region

Suggested hubs

• school-wi-fi (0.22)
  Wi-Fi use was assessed as an RF-EMF source (not school-specific).

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    "study_type": "cohort",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile phone, Wi-Fi, fixed-line telephone",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "assessed via questionnaire; mobile phone use during day and Wi-Fi use per week; follow-up 3 months"
    },
    "population": "Migraine patients referred to Neurology Clinic of Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran",
    "sample_size": 114,
    "outcomes": [
        "Number of migraine headaches",
        "Severity of migraine headaches",
        "Response to treatment after 3 months"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In 114 migraine patients followed for 3 months, the number and severity of migraine headaches were significantly correlated with increased mobile phone use during the day and Wi-Fi use per week (p<0.05). Fixed-line telephone use was not significantly related to the study variables (p>0.05).",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Exposure was self-reported via questionnaire (mobile phone/Wi-Fi/fixed-line use)",
        "Observational cohort design; correlation reported (causality not established)",
        "No RF exposure metrics reported (e.g., frequency, SAR, field strength)",
        "Single clinic sample from one hospital/region"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "migraine",
        "headache",
        "RF-EMF",
        "mobile phone",
        "Wi-Fi",
        "fixed-line telephone",
        "cohort",
        "questionnaire"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "school-wi-fi",
            "weight": 0.2200000000000000011102230246251565404236316680908203125,
            "reason": "Wi-Fi use was assessed as an RF-EMF source (not school-specific)."
        }
    ]
}

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