Sick of taking medication for migraine that makes you feel fuzzy, dizzy, nauseous or just blah? You may want to try an advanced treatment option: neuromodulation.
Neuromodulation — a medical treatment that acts directly on nerves to change their behavior — can be a powerful way to prevent and relieve migraine without harmful side effects. But there are many options for neuromodulation therapy for migraine out there! Let’s compare two of the best known: eTNS device CEFALY vs. REN device Nerivio.
Overview of eTNS for migraine vs. REN for migraine
Both approaches use non-invasive neurostimulation to change the nerves’ pain responses. This means transmitting a precise, mild electrical impulse directly to a nerve. REN and eTNS devices both relieve migraine pain and reduce the frequency of attacks, but they act on different nerves.
REN devices, like Nerivio, are worn on the upper arm to stimulate peripheral nerves. It activates the brain’s Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) system for global relief of pain.
eTNS devices are worn on the forehead and target the trigeminal nerve, which is the largest cranial nerve and the primary pathway for migraine pain. The electrical impulse both stimulates and desensitizes the nerve, interrupting pain signals and reducing migraine frequency.
Try CEFALY to Prevent & Relieve Migraine Pain
CEFALY vs. remote electrical neuromodulation: Ease of use
Both devices are simple to use. Connect the REN device to the mandatory app and strap it tightly to your upper arm. Use the app to start the 45-minute treatment and adjust the stimulation intensity. The device can’t be controlled with a button; you must use the app. The device should be used at the earliest sign of a migraine attack, or every other day for preventative treatment.
To use CEFALY, wash and dry your forehead and position the adhesive electrode so the wings are just above your eyebrows. Lie down or recline, then attach the device. Press the center button one time to start the 60-minute ACUTE program. You’ll see a turquoise light. Press the center twice, with a brief pause in between, to start the 20-minute PREVENT program. (Press once and see turquoise, press again and see a purple light).
You can use the CeCe Migraine Management app to see your treatment in progress, track your stimulation intensity, and log treatments and migraine attacks. Unlike REN devices, the app is not required.
| CEFALY | REN migraine device | |
| Placement | Worn on forehead | Worn on upper arm |
| Frequency | Use as needed for migraine painUse daily for migraine prevention | Use as needed for migraine painUse every other day for migraine prevention |
| Session length | 60 minutes for ACUTE20 minutes for PREVENT | 45 minutes |
| App | App available | App required |
Try CEFALY for 90 Days With Money-Back Guarantee
CEFALY vs. remote electrical neuromodulation: Cost and accessibility
To get a remote electrical neuromodulation device, you must have a prescription from your doctor. Insurance coverage is limited, so most users pay out of pocket. For Nerivio specifically, the first device is offered at a special max out-of-pocket cost of $49. However, you can only use each device 18 times. Refill devices are $89 each.
CEFALY is available over the counter, without a prescription. The CEFALY Enhanced device costs $389, while the Bluetooth-enabled CEFALY Connected is $424. (Find out how to save on CEFALY!) Once you purchase CEFALY, it’s yours to keep — there are no ongoing subscription fees or device replacement costs required. The only ongoing expense is replacement electrodes.
CEFALY vs. remote electrical neuromodulation: Which is right for you?
Most people with migraine find that there’s not one magic treatment that makes their symptoms disappear. Instead, they have to use a combination of approaches to relieve their pain and reduce attacks, which might include lifestyle modifications, natural pain relief techniques, trigger avoidance, medication, and neuromodulation.
Our suggestion: Try CEFALY! Unlike other devices, it’s affordable and accessible. You don’t need a prescription. And if you don’t like it, you’ve lost nothing! You can return the device within 90 days and get your money back. And if you do see great results — like so many other users have — then you can rely on your CEFALY to help you feel better for years to come.
Read the reviews or get your CEFALY.
