Anyone who suffers from migraines knows how deliberating the pain can be at times. Over 37 million Americans get migraine, and women are 3 times more likely to have them than men. If you’re someone who has used pills to stop a migraine but finds they don’t work for you, you could give one of these tech cures a try that are tested to work wonders for your severe headaches.
Tinted Glasses
For some migraine sufferers, harsh light can aggravate an already painful condition. To help combat that problem, plenty of eyewear manufacturers created tinted glasses for migraine sufferers. A 2011 Cephalalgia journal study found that color-tinted eyewear helps to normalize brain activity in chronic headache and migraine sufferers.
It’s thought that the visual cortex becomes overstimulated when a migraine occurs, which is why some patients will experience illusions. However, tinted glasses suppress visual stress, which reduces the frequency of a migraine attack. Tinted eyewear is especially helpful for people who work under fluorescent lamps, as the blue-green light can cause drowsiness and stress.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
TMS is a noninvasive medical procedure that uses a magnetic field to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. Although it was initially used to alleviate symptoms of depression, it is now used to treat chronic migraine sufferers who report seeing spots of light or graying vision. You can buy or rent a portable device and use it as soon as you notice these visual symptoms.
During a TMS session, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp of your forehead. The electromagnetic pulses and stimulates the nerve cells in the region of your brain associated with mood control. TMS is a completely painless procedure that activates regions of your brain that will limit the pain associated with headaches and migraines.
CEFALY Headband
The CEFALY headband is a device that looks like a tiara and sits directly on your forehead. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that the CEFALY headband reduced the number of migraine days by 30% during its initial clinical trial. As some migraine sufferers often experience chronic pain multiple times a week, this is a significant breakthrough for this condition.
The headband uses electrodes that stimulate the nerves around your eyes when turned on, but you can only use this device for up to 20 minutes. Some experts in the medical field believe that daily use can help prevent migraines before they occur, which can limit the usage of medication long-term. Newer models stick directly on your forehead instead of wrapping around the ears.
Prolivio
The Prolivio is similar to the CEFALY headband in style and electrode usage but instead prioritizes temperature to ease the effects of migraines. The hyper-cooling headbands are equipped with specialized electronic plates that create a nearly-instant cool surface. When placed on the forehead, the cold temperature takes away the initial pain quickly.
With a touch of a button, users can control the device and administer as many cooling effects as they desire. You won’t have to worry about melted ice or using running water ever again, which is beneficial for anyone who may be sensitive to way-too-cold freezing sensation. Prolivio also comes with an app that collects data, so the company can better understand your needs.
A Note About Zecuity Patch
You may stumble across Zecuity Patch while browsing for migraine relief, but using one isn’t recommended. The technology has been recalled multiple times and could burn or scar your skin when administered. Although the technology is currently off the market, it may appear again. Be cautious if you see Zecurity Patch at your pharmacy.
