Many people turn to medication for migraine relief. However, emerging research highlights the potential of wearable electrical devices to prevent this common source of pain. Explore three ways electrical devices compare to traditional medications and discover four innovative tools to help treat migraines.
How Do Electrical Devices Compare to Medications for Migraines?
Here are the three key differences between using devices and medications to treat migraines.
Mechanism
Devices use electrical or magnetic pulses to stimulate specific nerves, such as the ones in your forehead and on the back of your scalp.
Medications like triptans target serotonin receptors to constrict blood vessels and reduce pain.
Side Effects
Electrical devices can help prevent, reduce and stop migraine attacks, making devices ideal for individuals who prefer non-drug treatment or those who can’t tolerate migraine medicines.
Many migraine medications may cause side effects like vomiting, nausea, dry mouth, and sleepiness.
Accessibility
You can buy many migraine appliances straight from brand websites — some may require a prescription from a physician.
Traditional medications for mild or moderate migraines are available over the counter, while medications for severe migraines require a prescription.
4 Technologies to Prevent and Reduce Migraines
Discover the best electrical devices to help prevent and treat migraines.
Brand Over-the-counter Where to apply
CEFALY Yes Forehead
Nerivio No Upper arm
Relivion MG No Head
gammaCore No Neck
Here’s more detailed information about each electrical device.
1. CEFALY
A device used to treat the root cause of migraines, CEFALY targets nerve pathways that trigger pain. It aims to help you prevent headaches, brain fog, and side effects due to medication overuse. The device is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and doesn’t require a prescription. It is small enough to take and use anywhere. For best results, place it on your forehead at the earliest sign of a migraine attack.
CEFALY is for:
- Individuals 18 years of age or older who experience migraines
People shouldn’t use CEFALY if they:
- Have electronic or metallic implants in their heads
- Have an implanted cardiac pacemaker or a wearable defibrillator
- Are experiencing pain of unknown origin
2. Nerivio
The remote electrical neuromodulation armband from Nerivio is the first FDA-approved therapy for acute migraine treatment in children as young as eight years old. The instrument targets peripheral nerves in the upper arm using electrical stimulation to stop pain signals from reaching the brain.
Nerivio is for:
- Children ages eight and up, teenagers, and adults experiencing migraines
People shouldn’t use Nerivio if they:
- Have uncontrolled epilepsy
- Have an active implanted medical device
3. Relivion MG
FDA-approved device Relivion MG stimulates the two major nerve pathways associated with migraines. Stimulating the target nerves triggers the release of neurotransmitters that help numb pain. You may feel a gentle, tingling sensation — some have compared it to a head massage. To purchase this device, you need an official prescription.
Relivion MG is for:
- Adults 18 years of age and older diagnosed with acute and chronic migraine
People shouldn’t use Relivion MG if they:
- Are using electronic monitoring equipment like cardiac monitors
4. gammaCore
An FDA-cleared portable device, gammaCore helps treat cluster headaches and migraines through mild electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve. Some patients experience relief after just a few two-minute sessions. The brand requires you to download a prescription form from its website, which your physician will fill out before purchase.
GammaCore is for:
- Adults 18 years of age and older diagnosed with acute and chronic migraine
People shouldn’t use Relivion® MG if they:
- Have an implanted electrical device
- Have a screw or metal plate implanted in the neck area
The Future of Migraine Relief
While medications can help treat migraines, electrical devices present promising potential therapies. Talk with your physician about the possibility of using a migraine device.
