The Cefaly Dual is a prevention and treatment device for those suffering from migraine. An alternative to pain relief medication, the Cefaly Dual helps to relieve head pain. To find out if the Cefaly is right for you, check out our complete guide to the Cefaly device.
What is Cefaly Dual?
The Cefaly Dual device is a medication-free alternative for treating and preventing migraine. The device is certified to ISO medical standards and CE Medical marked. Cefaly provides the safest and best efficacy ratio compared to other oral migraine medications.
Compared to previous models, such as the Cefaly II, the Cefaly Dual device is much more efficient in delivering migraine prevention and treatment. This is further backed up by studies and research, such as the ACME study and t-ENS research demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the device.
A 2016 study by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) investigated transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve in preventing and treating migraine attacks. The investigation also included the Cefaly device.
The study’s findings indicated no safety concerns using the Cefaly device for treating and preventing migraine. However, the study did recommend consulting with a healthcare professional before using the device.
How does Cefaly Dual work?
The Cefaly device acts as a neurostimulator, which is applied to the forehead using self-adhesive electrodes. The device uses external trigeminal nerve stimulation that is specifically designed to reach the trigeminal nerve through the use of a self-adhesive electrode.
The trigeminal nerve is a nerve that runs along the head, just above the eyes. The trigeminal nerve is involved in migraine head pain. The Cefaly device stimulates the trigeminal nerve through precisely generated micro impulses for a sedative or calming effect.
Cefaly Dual and electrodes should be placed bilaterally on the forehead, just above the eyebrows. This ensures the electrical signals for nerve stimulation are delivered to the main branch of the trigeminal nerve to effectively prevent or treat the intense head pain associated with migraine.
The device comes with two settings. The first setting is an improved acute mode lasting for a 1-hour session. This setting should be used during a migraine attack to help treat the head pain. Only a second acute treatment mode should be used in a single day if the pain does not subside.
The second setting is the preventative mode. This setting should only be used once daily for 20 minutes to try and reduce migraine attacks. While this treatment setting can be used any time during the day, the evening is the most effective.
95% of users report that using the device is easy. Only six steps are needed to benefit from the migraine prevention and treatment Cefaly can provide:
- Cleanse the skin first using either soap and water or a prepare wipe.
- Correctly position the electrode on the forehead so the lower edge is just above your eyebrows.
- Connect the device to the electrode using the two magnets at the rear.
- Press the button on the device to begin the treatment session.
- Adjust the intensity of the electrical impulses by pressing the button again.
- Keep the device on throughout the duration of the treatment session. You can continue to resume normal activities or relax. After the session, remove the device by pulling it off the electrode.
What are Cefaly electrodes?
For the device to produce the electrical impulses required for the treatment and prevention of migraine, a Cefaly Electrode is needed. The Cefaly Electrode is a small self-adhesive patch placed on the forehead. The Cefaly device then magnetically connects to the electrode.
An electrode can be reused multiple times, providing it is properly stored and looked after. How well an Electrode is kept will determine its reuse value. Electrodes should be stuck back onto the clear plastic backing after use and sealed in the storage bag.
Sufficient skin cleansing and preparation can also affect an Electrode’s re-usage. Always make sure the forehead is clean and free of makeup. Avoid using face cleanser, makeup removal or cleaning wipes on the skin. Only use warm water and soap.
Ensure the skin is adequately dry before using Cefaly. Moist skin and can affect the stickiness of the self-adhesive Electrode. If the gel backing does dry out, a few drops of water can rehydrate the backing to prologue the Electrode usage.
An Electrode can be re-used up to 20 times with proper care. Additional Cefaly Electrodes can be purchased in packs of three directly from BHR. Cefaly Electrodes contain glycerine, polyacrylate copolymer, and potassium chloride.
Is the Cefaly Dual device for me?
If you’re looking to improve your quality of life and make painful migraine headaches a thing of the past, the Cefaly Dual device could be for you. The device can also help reduce or prevent visual problems, such as auras, and nausea associated with migraine.
The Cefaly Dual device is an ideal alternative to medication for the treatment and prevention of migraine. Anyone suffering from frequent migraine attacks (more than three a month) may find using the device beneficial, especially those needing to cut down on medication intake.
Using the device can reduce medication intake for pain relief by up to 75%. It can also reduce the number of migraine attacks by over half, with patients experiencing a 54% decrease in the number of migraine attacks. Over 80% of patients using the device are satisfied with the results.
Through regular and efficient use of Cefaly, the number of migraine attacks will reduce after three months. However, before using the Cefaly device, it is advisable to consult with your GP. The device is also only recommended for those diagnosed with migraines by a physician.
Patients using the Cefaly device can benefit from a better quality of life. However, the device does produce some side effects, but these are only observed in 4.3% of patients. The device can have the following side effects in order of severity, including:
- Drowsiness
- Slight headache after a preventative session
- Redding of the forehead skin
- Nausea
- Allergic skin reaction
Cefaly should only be used on the forehead. Using on other body parts can result in injury or severe adverse reactions. People with allodynia (increased touch sensitivity) may find the sensation produced by the device painful.
The device produces an electrical signal that can feel intense. While this doesn’t hurt, it can initially seem strange or unpleasant. Many patients soon get used to this feeling while using the device. You can also adjust the intensity using the button on the front of the device.
Still not sure if Cefaly is for you? Take our short online quiz and see whether Cefaly is right for you.
When should you not use the Cefaly device?
While the Cefaly device is an effective method of treating and preventing migraine for many patients, some may not benefit from or should not use the device. Cefaly should be only used on adults over 18. It is not recommended to use Cefaly with children.
There are some conditions where you should speak to your GP before using Cefaly. Anyone over 65 and those with a heart condition, head injury, or seizures should consult with their GP first. Using Cefaly can affect these conditions and trigger symptoms.
There are also some situations where you should avoid using Cefaly:
- Do not use the device while sleeping.
- Never use the device in a wet environment like the bathroom.
- The device should not be used while operating heavy machinery or driving (you should wait at least 1 hour before doing such activities).
- Do not use the device if you have an implant or ECG fitted.
- Only use the device and electrodes on the forehead.
- Never use the device on damaged, saw, wounded, or swollen skin.
- Avoid using the device if you experience any loss of feeling in your forehead skin until the feeling returns.
The device can be a suitable medication-free alternative for pregnant women. However, consulting with your GP before using Cefaly is advisable. Anyone who is allergic to acrylates should contact BHR for an acrylate-free Electrode alternative.
If you have an implant fitted, such as a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or a device implanted into the head, it is recommended not to use the Cefaly device. The micro-impulses produced by the device can interfere with the operation of such devices.
The device comes with a 60-day cooling period. If you notice no benefit from using the device within 60 days, you can return the device for a refund. A small amount is retained for the safe disposal of the product. Only items returned in their entirety and in original packaging are accepted for return.
Do you still have a question about using Cefaly? Check out these FAQs to find answers to popular questions.
The Cefaly Dual device offers the best efficacy ratio for treating and preventing migraine and is a safer alternative to medication. However, it can take a few attempts before you start to notice any positive effects. If you want to start with Cefaly, order your device today.
