Migraine Devices

Explore these FDA-approved migraine devices and discover innovative, patient-controlled solutions for migraine relief. These state-of-the-art devices offer a promising alternative to traditional therapies, with many mirroring the effectiveness of medication. Collaborate with your healthcare provider to learn if migraine devices can be an option for you.

Cefaly

Nerivio

gammaCore

Relivion

Cefaly

Focus: Targets the Trigeminal Nerve, a key area linked to migraines.
How it Works: Sends gentle electrical pulses through a sticker on your forehead, aiming to calm the nerve linked to migraines.
How to Use it: Stick it to your forehead using a special gel pad. Use it for 20 minutes daily for prevention, or for 60 minutes when you feel a migraine starting. You can adjust its settings by hand or with an app.
Do I Need a Prescription? No, it's available without a prescription since 2017.

Who Can Use Cefaly?

Adults: It's made for people over 18 years old, for both stopping and preventing migraines.
Children: Some doctors use it for kids under 18 too. Hospitals like Children's Mercy in Kansas City and Ann & Robert H. Lurie in Chicago find it safe and effective.
Learn More:
Children's Mercy Hospital
Lurie Children's Hospital
Headache Clinic for Kids

Does it Really Work?

Studies Say Yes: People using Cefaly had fewer migraine days and needed less medication.
Easy to Tolerate: Most people find it comfortable and helpful in reducing migraine attacks.
Proven Results: In a big study in 2022, users felt more pain relief and had fewer symptoms after using Cefaly.

Read More About Studies:

Bonus Benefits:

Better Sleep: It can also help you sleep better if you struggle with insomnia.
Other Good Stuff: Might help with ADHD and controlling certain types of seizures.
References:
- Insomnia Study
- ADHD and Seizure Study

More Info:

App Available: Yes, to make it even easier to use.
Find Out More: Check out Cefaly's Website for details.

Cefaly migraine device in a colorful background

Nerivio

Focus: Uses Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN) and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) to help with migraines.
How it Works: Nerivio sends special pulses that activate the brain’s pain control system, helping to reduce migraine pain both immediately and over time.
How to Use it: Wear it on your upper arm and start a 45-minute session at the first sign of a migraine. For prevention, use it every other day. You can do both acute and preventative treatments on the same day.

Who Can Use Nerivio?

Age Range: Approved for people 12 years and older.
Approval Timeline:
- 2019: For adults (18+) for acute migraine relief.
- 2021: Extended to include adolescents aged 12 and older.
- 2023: Approved for preventative treatment in people 12 and older. FDA Approval
Prescription Required: Yes, you need a prescription for Nerivio.

Does it Really Work?

Effective Relief: Reduces monthly migraine days significantly, starting from just 2 weeks of use.
Proven in Adolescents: Offers consistent pain reduction, with many users experiencing significant relief or complete freedom from pain and functional disability.
Research Support:

Bonus Benefits:

Chronic Pain Management: May help with other pain conditions like fibromyalgia due to its CPM mechanism.
Additional Benefits: Could be beneficial for ADHD and controlling certain types of seizures. Study Reference

More Info:

Find Out More: Visit Nerivio's Website for additional details and information.

Nerivio migraine device in a colorful background

Gammacore

Focus: Targets the Vagal Nerve, which plays a key role in controlling migraines.
How it Works: Sends electrical signals to the vagal nerve, helping to manage the brain's response to migraine triggers. It also may help with GI symptoms, fatigue, and inflammation linked to migraines.
How to Use it: Place it on the side of your neck for 2-minute sessions, repeated as needed. It's useful for both sudden migraine attacks and regular prevention.
Dosing Details: Gammacore Dosing Information

Who Can Use Gammacore?

Approved For: People 12 years and older for both preventing and treating migraines.
Unique Use: It's also approved for other headache types like cluster headaches, Hemicrania Continua (HC), and Paroxysmal Hemicrania (PH).
Prescription Required: Yes, you need a doctor's prescription for Gammacore.

Does it Really Work?

Clinical Trials Say Yes: Effective in reducing migraine pain intensity, as shown in the PRESTO trial.
Broader Benefits: Reduces migraine-related symptoms like nausea and light sensitivity. Also shown to be effective in cluster headaches.
Research Highlights:

Bonus Benefits:

Beyond Migraines: May help with autoimmune and gastrointestinal conditions, heart failure, and more.
Research Examples:
- Study on Sjögren's Syndrome and Fatigue
- Study on Gastroenterology Pain Disorders

More Info:

Learn More: For detailed information, visit Gammacore's Website.
App Associated with Device: No, Gammacore doesn't use an app for its operation.

Relivion

Focus: Targets both Trigeminal and Occipital Nerves, crucial in migraine development.
How it Works:
- Stimulates the trigeminal nerve on the forehead to reduce migraine sensitivity and severity.
- Also activates the occipital nerve at the back of the head, helping with migraine and neck pain.
How to Use it: Worn as a headband with moistened sponges for electrical transmission. Use for 20 minutes for prevention, and 60 minutes for acute treatment.

Who Can Use Relivion?

Approved For: Adults 18 years and older for migraine treatment, with or without aura.
Off-Label Use: Often used for migraine prevention, alongside acute treatment.
Prescription Required: Yes, you need a doctor's prescription for Relivion.

Does it Really Work?

Effective Relief: In studies, 76% of users experienced pain relief within 2 hours, and 46% became pain-free.
Additional Benefits: Also reduces migraine-related symptoms like nausea, light, and sound sensitivity.
Research Highlights:

Bonus Benefits:

Insomnia and Neck Pain: May improve sleep and help with neck pain and post-traumatic headache.
Studies Underway: Ongoing research to confirm its preventative migraine capabilities.

More Info:

Learn More: Discover more about Relivion and how it can help at Relivion's Website.

Relivion migraine device in a yellow background

Caution: For Educational Purposes Only

Please note that the migraine treatment options discussed on this page are intended solely for educational purposes. They should not be considered as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare.

In general, these devices should be avoided in those with implantable devices such as a pacemaker as well those who are pregnant or have a history of seizure. We strongly advise you to consult with your healthcare provider to explore these device options further and to determine the most appropriate and effective course of action for your specific condition.