This neurostimulation gear may provide you relief
Cefaly is a gear used for the treatment and prevention of migraines.
As of 2020, the gadget is available without a prescription.
This current stimulates a branch of the trigeminal nerve.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
This cranial nerve controls the sensation of the face and it is believed to play a role in migraines.
The electrical current doesn’t directly reach the whole trigeminal nerve, however.
The mode of action by which e-TNS works is unclear.
Initially, experts postulated that neurostimulation blocks ascending (upgoing) nerve activation in the pain pathway.
The e-TNS is then connected to the electrode using a magnetic attachment that holds the two components together.
The power button is pressed to begin a treatment session.
The Cefaly rig has two parameters: one for migraine prevention and one for use during an acute migraine.
Use for Migraine Prevention
Migraine preventionrelies on taking prescription medication on a daily basis.
Like medications used for migraine prevention, Cefaly can be used every day.
This study included 67 participants who had at least two migraine attacks each month prior to the study.
Some participants received Cefaly treatment and some received asham, or placebo, treatment.
The treatment period for each participant lasted for three months.
None of the complaints involved serious adverse effects.
Treatment with Cefaly was given for one hour.
The researchers did not report any adverse events or participant complaints about the treatment.
Side Effects
A small percentage of patients have reported minor side effects when using Cefaly.
Possible side effects include:
Contraindications
The manufacturer does list contraindications that you should be aware of.
It is considered very safe for most people.
No; in many cases, Cefaly is not covered by insurance.
However, it may still be worth contacting a health insurance provider to ask.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Letter to Cefaly Technology re: K201895, regulation number: 21 CFR 882.5891.
American Migraine Foundation.Cefaly for migraine prevention.
doi:10.1007/s40122-015-0039-5
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Regulatory Information.De novo classification request for Cefaly rig.
Department of Health and Human Services.Letter to Cefaly Technology re: K171446, regulation number 21 CFR 882.58.91.
American Migraine Foundation.Neuromodulation for migraine treatment.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Treating migraines: ways to fight the pain with medication.
