Even though I do not suffer from migraines, I know people who do, and they can be debilitating. The Cefaly is an FDA approved medical device for those who are 18 years of age or older that stimulates the ophthalmic part (behind the eyes) of the trigeminal nerve (a cranial nerve that is responsible for transmitting sensations from the face to the brain). To treat migraines, you place only one electrode on your forehead which attaches to the Cefaly headband. You press a button on the device which then beeps once. It then “…generates precise micro-impulses in order to stimulate the nerve endings of the trigeminal nerve. [High-frequency] Neurostimulation of the trigeminal nerve with Cefaly® produces a sedative effect. Regular repetition of this sedative effect helps reduce the number of attacks of migraine[s].”
It also helps to prevent migraines for those who suffer from them frequently. With low-frequency neurostimulation, it increases the threshold that triggers a migraine thus making it more difficult to get one, or makes them less painful and some people even cease having migraines altogether. It doesn’t help all sufferers but has had success with large numbers of people in clinical trials. The reported side effects are:
- Intolerance to the feeling of Cefaly on the forehead: 1.25%
- Sensation of fatigue during and after the session: 0.65%
- Headache after one session: 0.52%
- Irritation of the skin on the forehead: 0.22%
- Allergic skin reaction to the electrode
It allows many to decrease or even completely rid themselves of medication. Cefaly is available for purchase (NOTE: you MUST have a medical prescription per federal law) for $349 and uses two AAA batteries. There is also a kit of three multi-use electrodes available for $25 (each electrode can be used up to 20 times). Watch the video below to see how Cefaly works:
