What is a migraine?
Migraine is a type of headache that affects 10-15% of the Western population, and in the long run can have a very negative impact on the individual's daily life.
This disease is characterized by intense and pulsating pain felt only on one side of the head, which is frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sometimes intolerance to light and/or sound; among other symptoms. The duration of these episodes may be variable, and the diagnosis should be made by a physician.
Depending on individual characteristics and lifestyle, migraine attacks can be triggered by several factors:
- Food, being more frequent reactions to alcohol, cheeses, chocolates, sauces or seafood;
- Changing lifestyle habits, such as meal times, sleep, stress or exercise;
- Genetic factors
- Hormonal factors such as menstruation or taking the contraceptive pill.
Although there is pharmacological treatment for migraine, drugs intended for the prevention and treatment of these episodes tend to have limited efficacy and they don't work as effectively for all patients; being often associated with the occurrence of undesirable effects.
Cefaly, a supraorbital transcutaneous neurostimulation device
Cefaly was developed in Belgium and it has been on the market since 2008; aiming to overcome the difficulty in preventing and treating migraine episodes through electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve in its upper V1 limb. This way, the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves are stimulated, which induces a sedative effect on the nervous system.
Electrical stimulation will allow the migraine threshold to be altered by controlled micro-impulses that stimulate these nerves, which in the long run will reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks.
How to use it?
This device consists of a self-adhesive electrode that should be placed on the forehead (as shown in the picture), and which will cover the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves bilaterally. Then insert the device into the electrode and select the desired program:
Since the 20 min session will be insufficient, it is recommended to hold a session of at least 40 minutes; up to about 120 minutes in Program 1. The more frequent is the use of Cefaly, the more noticeable the effect on crises will be. If you feel that Program 1 is too intense, start by using program 3. You will gradually be able to start using the 1st one.
In this case it is advisable to use Program 2, which can be done once or twice a day. If you can not tolerate Program 2 you can switch to Program 3, which will be more comfortable.
The device begins by generating a gradual current, which will not be noticeable. As the current increases, you may feel a tingling sensation, which will tend to be more pronounced on one side; and that will be reduced throughout the session.
Contraindications
Although it has a good safety profile, there are situations in which the use of Cefaly shouldn't be considered:
- While driving machines or performing activities that require high concentration, since Cefaly can cause a sedative effect;
- Allergy to acrylates, due to the presence of these substances in the electrode;
- If you experience headache or neck pain during or after the session;
- Recent cranial or facial trauma (less than 3 months);
- Skin injured in the region of application of the electrode.
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