The FDA just approved a high-tech tiara to prevent migraines, without drugs

(Image credit: YouTube)

last updated 8 January 2015

In potentially great news for migraine sufferers, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a plastic headband-like device that purports to not just treat but also prevent migraines, without using any medication. Instead of drugs, the "transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation" (TENS) headband delivers a small electric current through an electrode on the forehead. The electricity stimulates the trigeminal nerve, which is tied to migraines. Belgium's STX-Med makes the battery-powered tiara, called Cefaly, which is now available in the U.S. with a prescription. STX-Med describes how it works in greater detail in the video below. --Peter Weber

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.