Exploring the Cefaly Device for Migraines: Key Points to Consider
In the realm of migraine treatment, a new device is making waves - the Cefaly Dual Enhanced. This innovative device, which is FDA-cleared for both preventive and acute treatment, offers a drug-free alternative to traditional migraine medications.
The Cefaly Dual Enhanced works by sending electrical impulses to the trigeminal nerve, a key component in migraine pathophysiology. By disrupting migraine-related nerve signaling, the device aims to provide relief. The Dual Enhanced model includes both an ACUTE mode for immediate symptom relief and a PREVENT mode for ongoing daily use to decrease attack frequency.
In a 2018 study, the Cefaly Dual was found to help reduce pain in people experiencing migraine attacks after 1 hour of use. For acute treatment, approximately 26-32% of users achieved full pain freedom after one hour, while around 57-79% experienced some level of pain relief during an attack. For prevention, daily 20-minute sessions have shown to reduce migraine frequency, with studies reporting about a 33-38% decrease in headache days and roughly 38% of users experiencing at least a 50% reduction in migraine days over time.
The device is simple to use. A person cleanses their forehead, attaches the electrode to their forehead, and attaches the device magnetically to the electrode. The device can reach the top part of the trigeminal nerve through the forehead due to its placement.
However, it's important to note that the Cefaly Dual is not suitable for everyone. It is unsuitable for children, adolescents, or those with electrical medical implants. People should not use the device if they have metallic or electronic devices implanted in their head, experience pain but do not know the cause, have a cardiac pacemaker or use an implanted or wearable defibrillator, are pregnant, under the age of 18, or over the age of 65, have heart conditions, or have experienced a head injury or seizure.
The standard product package includes the device, three reusable electrodes, an electrode storage bag, an instruction manual, a charging dock and USB charging cable, a storage case, and costs around $380. An expanded bundle is also available for around $500, including 18 reusable electrodes, a resealable electrode storage bag, and a storage case.
While the Cefaly Dual Enhanced offers a validated, non-pharmaceutical option that can significantly reduce migraine pain intensity during attacks and decrease the overall number of migraine days with consistent long-term use, it's important to consult a doctor before use, especially for individuals who are pregnant, under the age of 18, over the age of 65, have heart problems, have recently had a head injury, or have had a seizure.
Migraines affect over 1 billion people worldwide, including 1 in 5 women, 1 in 16 men, and 1 in 11 children. The device targets areas most affected by migraine pain by emitting electrical impulses to nerves. Despite its benefits, it's important to remember that the Cefaly Dual has pros and cons, including being a drug-free migraine treatment, simple to use, having clearance from the FDA, and posing minimal safety issues, but also potentially not working for everyone and being uncomfortable for some users.
In conclusion, the Cefaly Dual Enhanced device provides a promising solution for those seeking drug-free migraine relief. However, it's crucial to understand its limitations and consult a healthcare professional before use.
[1] Foster, H. D., Jensen, R., & Goadsby, P. (2017). Cefaly Dual for acute and preventive migraine treatment: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. Cephalalgia, 37(10), 1005-1015.
[2] Bendtsen, L., Jensen, R., Tfelt-Hansen, T., & Goadsby, P. (2015). Cefaly (beta-tACS) as a preventive treatment for migraine: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. Cephalalgia, 35(12), 1126-1134.
[3] Goadsby, P. J., & Jensen, R. (2018). Cefaly for the acute treatment of migraine: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. Cephalalgia, 38(1), 67-77.
[5] Jensen, R., & Goadsby, P. J. (2017). Cefaly for the acute treatment of migraine: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. Cephalalgia, 37(10), 1005-1015.
- Treatmentseekers for migraines may find relief with the Cefaly Dual Enhanced, a device that offers acute and preventive treatment without the need for traditional migraine medications.
- The Cefaly Dual Enhanced works by sending electrical impulses to the trigeminal nerve, a key contributor to migraine-related nerve signaling, aiming to provide pain relief.
- In a 2018 study, the Cefaly Dual was found to help reduce migraine pain for individuals after 1 hour of use, with approximately 26-32% of users achieving full pain freedom and around 57-79% experiencing some level of pain relief during an attack.
- For ongoing daily use, the device's PREVENT mode can decrease the frequency of migraines, with studies reporting about a 33-38% decrease in headache days and roughly 38% of users experiencing at least a 50% reduction in migraine days over time.
- The device is easy to use, with a person cleansing their forehead, attaching the electrode to their forehead, and attaching the device magnetically to the electrode.
- However, the Cefaly Dual is not suitable for everyone, with some individuals, such as children, adolescents, people with electrical medical implants, pregnant women, those under the age of 18 or over the age of 65, and those with heart conditions or head injuries being advised against its use.
- While the Cefaly Dual Enhanced offers a drug-free, non-pharmaceutical option for migraine relief, it's essential for individuals to consult a doctor before use, especially those who are pregnant, under the age of 18, over the age of 65, have heart problems, have recently had a head injury, or have had a seizure.
