Tried and tested products for migraine
By Jaime Sanders
Google “migraine products” and more than 48 million search results come up. How do you even begin to weed through options to find something that will help you manage your symptoms? Below are several products that have been put to the test by the migraine and headache community, and come out on top.
Note: These products are being provided as additional tools for you to use as you fight to manage your headache symptoms. U.S. Pain Foundation does not specifically endorse any of these products.
Cryotherapy
Migraine Hat
Co-developed by Lisa Jacobson, founder of The Daily Migraine, Migraine Hat is an ice/compression therapy hat made specifically for people who live with migraine and chronic migraine. The Migraine Hat includes two reusable Cryo-Gel Ice Packs that stay cold for four hours, and pulls over the eyes and ears to block out light and sound. The wrap-around design contours to the shape of your head and stays securely in place while allowing you to adjust to your comfort or to target pressure points: bit.ly/migrainehat
The Catalyst Cryohelmet is a tool designed to help alleviate migraine and headache pain and concussion symptoms, as well as promote sleep. The cool packs stay cold for at least 90 minutes when they are frozen solid. They remain flexible so they can be wrapped around the head and neck. The Cryohelmet features moisture-wicking fabric, an insulating neoprene shell that is latex-free, and drawstrings to adjust the fit: cryohelmet.com
Icekap Therapeutics
The Icekap, developed by Andrea Jones, who lives with migraine, combines cryotherapy, heat, aromatherapy, and compression to help alleviate the pain, inflammation, pressure, and swelling caused by migraine. The essential oil component of the Icekap combines the calming properties of lavender with the cooling properties of peppermint. With the adjustable pressure band, users can target the compression of the cap to key areas (occipital, frontal, parietal, or temporal): icekap.ca
Precision-Tinted Eyewear
TheraSpecs
TheraSpecs was developed by Hart Shafer, whose wife, Kerrie, lives with debilitating migraine. The precision-tinted glasses are designed to filter lights from fluorescent lights, computer screens, and bright sunshine that trigger migraine, headache, and eye strain. When worn regularly, the glasses can help reduce the frequency of attacks. The frames are ultra-lightweight and flexible so as to not add any extra pressure to already sensitive areas. Many styles offer wrap-around protection to block and filter light from the sides: theraspecs.com
Axon Optics
Axon Optics provides therapeutic eyewear for migraine and light sensitivity. Founder Bradley Katz, MD, PhD, a neuro-ophthalmologist, studied the pain pathway associated with migraine and photophobia. Through his work, the company developed the SpectraShield FL-41 migraine glasses lens for indoor and outdoor sunglasses. FL-41 improves light sensitivity by blocking out blue and green wavelengths of light, which are thought to be a problem for patients with light sensitivity. Axon Optics also offers glasses for blepharospasm (BEB), as well as indoor sunglasses: axonoptics.com
Protection From Outside Triggers
WeatherX Earplugs
WeatherX is a pressure-regulating device that provides a proactive way to manage weather-related migraine and headaches before they start. At the first sign of headache, you place the devices, one in each ear, for 2 to 4 hours or until symptoms have alleviated. WeatherX includes a ceramic inner filter that regulates air flow in and out of the ear canal, which helps mitigate shifts in weather pressure. It has four rings for a snug, comfortable fit and is made of soft, cleanable, hypoallergenic silicone. A free app can be set up to alert you when weather pressure shifts are happening near you, prompting you to proactively begin using the earplugs: weatherx.com
Aculief
Aculief is a wearable acupressure device that uses your body’s own endorphins to help relieve headaches and migraine attacks naturally. It provides pressure to the LI4 acupressure point, which has been used for thousands of years to provide natural headache and tension relief as well as promote your body’s natural energy: aculief.com
Vogmasks
Vogmasks are unique face masks designed to be reusable and fashionable. These masks are especially useful in blocking many external triggers that often exacerbate migraine symptoms. It provides protection from airborne particles such as dust, allergens, odors, scents, mold, and more: vogmask.com •
Jaime Sanders is the author of the award-winning blog The Migraine Diva. She is a member of CHAMP (Coalition For Headache And Migraine Patients), and the Headache and Migraine Policy Forum. Jaime works with the Society for Women’s Health Research Interdisciplinary Migraine Network and sits on the Patient Leadership Council with the National Headache Foundation.