A new device that supposedly can zap away migraine pain electronically may be able to help people who regularly get the debilitating headaches.

Reseachers from the Ohio State University said the device is safe and effective.

The device is called a transcranial magnetic stimulator. It is used during the early "aura" phase of a migraine, when sufferers say they can see shooting stars, lines or flashing lights in their vision. Some also lose vision.

"Stimulation with magnetic pulses from the portable TMS device proved effective for the migraine patients," said Dr. Yousef Mohammad. "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 study looked at 164 patients. Thirty-nine percent of those who tested the device were pain-free two hours later; 22 percent of those who got a placebo treatment were pain free at that point.

Researchers had previously tested a bulkier device.

Either version works by creating an intense magnetic field for about one millisecond. The pulse is meant to interrupt the aura by creating an electric current in the brain.

"The device's pulses are painless and safe," Mohammad said. "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."

One in eight Americans suffers from chronic migraines, according to a news release.