Cefaly Cranial TENS

User statistics:

95% of users find Cefaly very simple to use

87% of users describe a definite improvement

79% of users significantly reduced their consumption of drugs

2 out of 3 tension headaches are halted by Cefaly's programme 1

65% reduction of head pain sensitivity after 20 minutes of treatment with Cefaly

66% reduction in pain severity after 20 - 40 minutes of treatment with Cefaly's programme 1

59% reduction in the frequency and duration of painful episodes

1 in 4 migraine attacks are controlled by Cefaly's programme 1

How does Cefaly work?

The majority of headaches and migraines project pain into forehead and front part of the scull. This area is innervated by the upper branch of the trigeminal nerve - the ophthalmic nerve called the Willis' nerve and its subranches, the supra-trochlear and supra-orbital nerves.

Cefaly generates gentle electric impulses that act on the nerve cells and influence the nerves affected by pain. Namely, Cefaly works on nerves responsible for the pain and other sensations in the facial area. Cefaly's electrode covers the centre of the forehead and establishes contact between the nerves innervating the area. Consequently, Cefaly acts on all the nerves in the area that is most associated with migraines and headaches.

Through its electrode, Cefaly transmits specific electrical impulses designed to influence the trigeminal nerve utilizing two important mechanisms of action:

1. Endorphin production mechanism

Cefaly programme stimulates the endorphin producing nerve fibres of the trigeminal nerve, thus increasing the production of endogenous endorphins. Endorphins are neuro-hormones that induce the feeling of wellbeing. Higher levels of endorphins alter the headache's or migraine's trigger threshold level and reduce the number of attacks.

2. TENS mechanism - the 'gateway control'

One of the Cefaly's programmes stimulates the touch sensitivity fibres of the trigeminal nerve with high frequency stimuli and partially blocks the entry of the pain into the nervous system. This mechanism is called the gateway control system. You can easily imagine that partially blocked entry gate stops the pain signals from entering the nerve pathway that would normally take them to the pain centre in the central nervous system. When pain signals do not reach the brain, no pain can be felt.

Cefaly has 3 pre-set programmes:

Programme 1 is designed to treat an acute attack. Programme 1 is set to generate very high frequency impulses that stimulate the tactile sensitivity of the A nerve fibre. Stimulation of these fibres blocks the pain messages and prevents them from reaching the brain.

Cefaly is applied, when the pain is already present. It may be repeated several times in succession as required.

Programme 2 is designed to act profilactically. Programme 2 generates low frequency impulses that stimulate the A nerve fibres that are known as 'discriminative pain' fibres. Stimulation of these fibres increases endorphin production. Released endorphins induce general relaxation and a feeling of wellbeing.

Programme 3 has anti-stress effect and can also be used effectively to prevent tension headaches caused by stress. Programme 3 is designed to induce a great sense of wellbeing and relaxation or to treat stress and anxiety. Programme 3 can be used, when there is a specific need for you to relax or to treat an episode of stress. Programme 3 can also be used regularly for at least 3 times per week to reduce chronic stress or improve general health and wellbeing.