Those who know the pain of migraines would probably say they’d do anything to get them to end quickly, or better — never to get one again.
EmpowHER describes migraines as "a type of recurring headache. It involves blood vessels, nerves, and brain chemicals. Sensations may come before a migraine. This can include visual changes, called auras.
"There are two types of migraines:
"- Migraine occurring with an aura (formerly called classic)
"- Migraine occurring without an aura (formerly called common)
"Migraine may happen several times a week or once every couple of years. They can be so severe that they interfere with the ability to work and carry on normal activities."
There are many causes. These include hormonal changes in women, stress, medications, diet and exercise. Environmental factors including weather (barometer pressure/bright lights/sun) are just a few of the other possible physical causes.
There also seems to be a strong genetic component. Iif someone is suffering from migraines, they should look into their family history.
When I was pregnant, I suffered pregnancy-related migraines that caused auras. I lost peripheral vision so badly that once I couldn’t make it home from a checkup and had to pull the car over lest I have a accident. I was very fortunate that they, like my sciatica and heartburn, ended literally as soon as I delivered my babies.
Many people lose work hours, cannot play sports, or be outdoors for long. They may find themselves bedridden for days in a dark room. It’s a painful and very isolating life for those that suffer from migraines regularly.
But some good news has come out about a treatment that can really help.
This device, called Cefaly, is a drug-free option that uses transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) technology to stop pain before it starts. Cefaly looks like a very slim visor that fits over the head or forehead.
The directions for the Cefaly device say that it should be used for about 20 minutes every day. The manufacturer states that it is also safe to use during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should ask their doctors about this option before using it. Since it’s drug free, it might be a great option.
I was part of the 15 percent of women who get these migraines during pregnancy. Since most migraine sufferers are women (about three out of four sufferers) this could help enormously.
This device is not covered by insurance at this time. Since this is newly approved by the FDA, many insurance companies do not have a code for it yet. Those on Medicare need to call to see if it’s covered. (It probably isn’t, yet.) As of this writing in June, 2015, the manufacturers speculate that it may be covered within a year.
Cefaly can be bought at some stores, including Costco Canada, but I was unable to discern whether or not it needs a prescription.
It can also be purchased on the Cefaly. US website. A prescription is needed.
The cost of the device is about $300, but users also need to purchase a three-pack of replacement electrodes for $25 which are good for 15 to 30 uses. The Costo reviews were, for the most part, very positive.
Sources:
Migraine Definition & Overview. Retrieved June 15th, 2015.
https://www.empowher.com/mental-health/content/5-easy-ways-blend-meditat...
EmpowHER. com. Pain. Migraine. Retrieved June 12th, 2015.
https://www.empowher.com/condition/migraine?page=1
Local 12/WKRC Cincinnati. Top Stories. Health Alert. Retrieved June 10th, 2015.
http://www.local12.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/Health-Alert-De...
Cefaly main site
http://www.Cefaly.com
Reviewed June 15, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith