If you suffer from debilitating headaches, you are not alone: nearly 10% of the world’s population suffers from migraines. While a variety of medications are employed to treat the pain, nausea, tunnel vision, and other symptoms associated with these chronic headaches, neurologists prefer finding ways of preventing migraines without drugs. Over the last few years several new treatment options have been developed, and one new device built especially to combat migraines has just been approved by the FDA. Already available in Canada and soon to be on the market in the United States, the Cefaly® Anti-migraine Device has been proven to provide relief for some patients.
This device operates by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which means it uses electricity to stimulate nerves in the brain to prevent migraines. When these nerves are triggered by the battery-powered Cefaly device, the brain begins to produce endorphins, and these endorphins overpower the usual pain and discomfort associated with migraines. What’s more, in clinical tests it was shown that the frequency of migraines could also decrease through extended use of the device, so it could have both immediate and long-term benefits.
The Cefaly device was developed by experts in Europe, who carried out extensive tests in Belgium and France before releasing it on the global market. What’s more, this field of research is over two decades old. The key breakthrough with the Cefaly device is that it is worn externally, whereas previous neurostimulation devices had to be surgically implanted in order to transmit their electromagnetic charge. This makes the Cefaly device unique in the field, and a far more appealing option for most people.
The Cefaly device is relatively light-weight and non-invasive tool, resembling a pair of sunglasses with the lenses removed. An electrode connects to the forehead, and when the patient presses a button the light electrical pulse tells the brain’s pain center to begin flooding the body with endorphins. Although it is a completely drug-free treatment plan, it still requires a prescription to use. Whether this restriction will be relaxed at some point depending on future trials, but for now the FDA has found it completely safe for use.
The benefits of preventing migraines without drugs are self-evident, especially since there have been very few side effects linked to the Cefaly device. That said, there is no guarantee that any one treatment plan will work for all patients—according to the manufacturers of the Cefaly device, almost half of all those migraine-sufferers who tried it had a less than optimal response. Considering the cost associated with cutting edge technology, it is always advisable you consult with a specialist before taking the plunge on a product that may not be right for you. A trained neurologist can help you pinpoint the root causes of your migraines, and customize a treatment plan just for you.
At Rowe Neurology Institute, we have the most current diagnostic tools, and a staff of neurologists and integrated caregivers who specialize in diagnosing and treating headaches and migraines. We’ve treated literally tens of thousands of headache patients in the Kansas City region at our Headache Center. Take your life back from migraines. We’ll show you how.