Efficacy and Safety of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in Non-migraine Primary Headache Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Non-migraine primary headache disorders, like tension-type and cluster headaches, are common. These headaches can be chronic and seriously affect daily life. Current treatment options often provide limited relief. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial electrical stimulation (tES), may offer new hope. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness and safety of NIBS for these headache disorders. The review followed strict guidelines to ensure quality. Researchers searched multiple databases for relevant studies up to February 25, 2025. They focused on randomized controlled trials and other studies evaluating NIBS. The main outcomes measured were headache frequency, intensity, and any side effects. The findings suggest that NIBS could reduce headache frequency and intensity in these patients. This research highlights the potential benefits of NIBS as a non-invasive treatment option for chronic headache sufferers. Clinical relevance: This research indicates that non-invasive brain stimulation may effectively reduce headache frequency and intensity, providing new treatment options for patients with chronic non-migraine primary headache disorders.