Headband that banishes migraines
A HIGH-TECH headband could offer relief for millions who suffer from migraines.
England’s health watchdog yesterday gave the green light for the device to be used on the NHS.
The Cefaly band tackles migraines by sending mild electrical pulses through electrodes just above the eyes. This relaxes the trigeminal nerve, which runs through the head and is thought to be one of the sources of migraines.
Worn for 20 minutes a day, or whenever a migraine strikes, it has been found to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks for many.
Around eight million Britons suffer migraines, which cause dizziness, nausea and crippling pain that can last for days. There is no cure and although painkillers and other drugs can ease symptoms, they do not work for everyone and can have bad side effects.
But trials found the batterypowered plastic headband had a similar success rate to many drugs – but with very few side-effects. Unlike many pills, it can also be used during pregnancy.
In one trial, conducted in Belgium on 67 patients, 40 per cent saw their symptoms improve, while an Italian trial on 24 patients found it worked for 7 per cent.
The Belgian-made device has been available online since 2014, but the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has now issued guidance allowing NHS doctors in England to recommend it for the first time. Each NHS trust can decide whether it will fund the gear or ask patients to pay for it themselves.
Officials said more research is needed, but that the device is safe. They pointed to a survey of 2,313 patients using the gear around the world, in which just 4 per cent had any side effects, such as skin problems. Half of patients taking drugs for migraine report side-effects.
Experts welcomed the development. Simon Evans, of the charity Migraine Action, said it would be ‘well-received’ by sufferers.
Bharat Vadukul, of distributor BHR Pharmaceuticals, said it was ‘a significant step forward’ in migraine treatment. The headband costs £2 0 and the adhesive electrodes, designed to be used 1 to 30 times, cost £20 for a pack of three.