Maybe you’ve seen CEFALY in a video. Or maybe you have a friend with migraine who uses CEFALY. When you look at this little device on someone’s forehead, you wonder: Can it actually help me feel better? How does CEFALY work? 

Here’s a quick guide to explain the basics of CEFALY. If you want to learn more, contact us! Or get one-on-one support by scheduling a free session with a CEFALY Coach.

What is CEFALY?

CEFALY is a small medical device that attaches to an electrode worn on your forehead. You can use it to treat migraine pain during an attack. CEFALY also can help you have fewer migraine days.

CEFALY is an eTNS device. That stands for external trigeminal nerve stimulation.

  • External = CEFALY is worn outside the body, on your forehead. 
  • Trigeminal nerve = The trigeminal nerve is a large cranial (head) nerve that sends sensations — like pain or temperature — from your face to your brain. It is the main pathway for migraine pain.
  • Stimulation = CEFALY delivers a gentle, low-voltage electrical impulse to the nerve.

How does CEFALY treat migraine?

Migraine is complicated. People experience migraine differently. We don’t yet understand all the causes of migraine, and there is no cure for migraine. 

However, we do know that people with migraine have sensitive nervous systems that over-react to certain triggers. A strong smell, a change in hormones, a period of intense stress, a lack of sleep, or some other sensation can overwhelm the brain. A surge in electrical activity in the brain causes changes in blood flow. This, in turn, causes the sensation of pain in the cranial nerves.

CEFALY treats migraine in two ways. 

  • The ACUTE treatment mode disrupts pain signals in the trigeminal nerve. The ACUTE mode should be used at the very first sign of a migraine attack.
  • The PREVENT treatment mode uses a lower-frequency stimulation to make the trigeminal nerve less sensitive. When you use the 20-minute PREVENT treatment every day for at least 3 months, you should have fewer migraine attacks.

Does CEFALY work?

Yes! CEFALY has been in use since 2008. Multiple studies have shown that CEFALY works to prevent migraine attacks and relieve migraine pain.

Take a look at our clinical studies 

Read the stories of real CEFALY users

It’s important to know that CEFALY does not cure migraine. To get the best results with CEFALY, you should use the PREVENT mode every day. 

If CEFALY does not work for you, you can return it within 90 days of your delivery date for a refund. 

CEFALY’s 90-day satisfaction guarantee

How do I use CEFALY?

You’ll find a detailed guide on our Getting Started page. Here are the basics of how to use CEFALY:

  • Wash your forehead with plain soap and water. Dry your skin.
  • With clean hands, peel the sticky electrode from its plastic backing.
  • Attach the electrode to your forehead. The little wings should be just above your eyebrows. 
  • Run your fingers over the electrode to make sure it sticks.
  • Find a comfortable place to lie down or recline during treatment. 
  • Attach your device to the electrode. Small magnets hold it in place.
  • Press the button once for the 60-minute ACUTE program. 
  • Press the button twice (with a short pause in between) for the 20-minute PREVENT program. 

Is CEFALY dangerous? 

CEFALY is very safe. No serious adverse side effects have been reported in any CEFALY study. Side effects are minor and should go away once you stop using CEFALY. The most common side effects of CEFALY are sleepiness and forehead tingling or discomfort. 

Read your user manual before using CEFALY. Do not use CEFALY if you: 

  • Have metallic or electronic devices implanted in the head 
  • Are suffering from pain of unknown origin, or 
  • Have a cardiac pacemaker or an implanted or wearable defibrillator.

What does CEFALY feel like?

People describe the feeling of CEFALY in different ways:

  • Gentle tingling or vibrating
  • Slight prickling, like when your leg is falling asleep
  • Soothing, like a head massage
When using CEFALY, you should NOT feel:
Pain
Discomfort
Eyebrow or eyelid twitching (this can mean your electrode is in the wrong place or the stimulation level is too high)

When you start using CEFALY, the sensation may be unfamiliar, but it should never feel bad. The key is finding your sweet spot: the level of stimulation that is comfortable but still noticeable. You can pair your CEFALY Connected with the CeCe Migraine Management app to see the exact level that feels good to you. 

If you live with migraine pain, we hope that CEFALY will help you feel better and get back to life. Ready to try it? Order your CEFALY today!

Deena E. Kuruvilla, MD

Deena E. Kuruvilla, MD, a board-certified neurologist and the director of the Westport Headache Institute, where she employs a holistic biopsychosocial approach to diagnosis and treatment. She held clinical appointments at the Yale University School of Medicine prior to starting her own practice and has authored many articles, book chapters, and research publications.

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