Question:

I'm confused about something and hope you can help. I've been using the Cefaly and have been reading about the Spring device. Do they work the same? Should I try the Spring even if the Cefaly isn't doing me any good? Thank you, Cheryl.

Answer:

Dear Cheryl;

The Cefaly and the Spring are both external devices. That's about where their similarities end. They are vastly different.

The Cefaly delivers electrical pulses via an electrode to stimulate the trigeminal nerve. The theory behind the preventive use of the Cefaly is that the neurostimulation sedates the trigeminal nerve, and that the sedative effect helps reduce migraine frequency.

The Spring is used to deliver a magnetic pulse to the back of the head. At this time, it's FDA approved for the acute treatment of migraine with aura and is in clinical trials for preventive treatment. When used as acute treatment, it interrupts the irregular wave of electrical activity that occurs in the brain during a migraine attack (cortical spreading depression). When used for migraine prevention, it's used twice a day to prevent the cortical spreading depression from starting.

We can't advise you as to whether you should try the Spring. Only a doctor who has reviewed your medical history and examined you in person should offer that advice. That said, the Cefaly not working for you doesn't indicate that the Spring won't work. The two devices work very differently.

Thank you for your question,
Dave Watson and Teri Robert

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