Understanding Migraine Patches
How do migraine patches work?
Migraine patches use a variety of mechanisms to relieve pain. One of the most common methods is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) , which uses weak electrical impulses through the skin to stimulate peripheral nerves, including the trigeminal nerve , and block the transmission of pain signals to the brain .
Other patches, based on active substances (natural extracts or medicines ), act transcutaneously . Their gradual diffusion through the skin targets the pain from the inside, providing prolonged relief. This makes them an ideal solution for acute attacks.
These devices are designed to interact locally with pain receptors, minimizing side effects. Depending on the nature of the migraine , it is essential to choose a suitable patch to optimize its effectiveness and ensure optimal relief.
The different types of anti-migraine patches
There are several types of patches designed to treat migraines, each using a specific mode of action to provide tailored relief :
Transdermal patches : This type of patch is designed to deliver active substances, such as anti-inflammatories or analgesics, through the skin ( transdermal route). Unlike oral forms, these devices offer a gradual release of the drug, thus avoiding concentration peaks and associated side effects. They are often recommended for patients who do not tolerate oral medications. They can remain effective for up to 24 hours in a row (like Epifiz Plus for example 😉)
Neurostimulation patches : These devices use electrical neurostimulation to activate peripheral nerves with mild electrical pulses. They are usually placed on the upper arm and can be controlled via a mobile app. This type of patch is often used in severe migraines for quick relief but are much more expensive.
Hydrogel patches : These cooling patches contain a hydrogel impregnated with cooling agents (menthol, camphor) that provide a soothing effect in the event of an attack. Their effectiveness is based on a thermal action that relieves pain by reducing skin temperature. They are well suited for mild to moderate migraines.
Combination drug patches : Some patches combine medications and neurostimulation technologies to maximize the pain-relieving effect. This type of device is still under study but could offer a hybrid solution that is both anti-inflammatory and nerve-stimulating.
Each type of patch has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the nature and severity of the pain , the patient's treatment preference, and the context of use (preventive or curative). To determine which patch is most suitable, it is crucial to consider the shape , the current used, and the transdermal route chosen.
Clinical efficacy of patches: what do the studies say?
Clinical studies on migraine patches show encouraging results, but vary depending on the type of device. Doctorem Bien-être patches use active technologies that penetrate transdermally , offering a variety of options for pain relief. At our company, the best patch to deal with your migraines remains the Epifiz Plus . In addition to your headaches, it can also help you fall asleep more easily and rebalance your bedtime.
It is crucial to choose the type of patch based on the severity of the attacks and the patient's preferences. Although Doctorem Bien-être patches are designed to minimize side effects, some cases of skin irritation may occur.
Benefits and Limitations of Migraine Patches
Advantages of patches over conventional treatments
Migraine patches have several advantages over traditional drug treatments. First, they provide rapid pain relief , as the active ingredients or electrical impulses act locally, often from the first application. This treatment of the attack is therefore ideal for obtaining an immediate effect without having to wait for a pill to be digested.
Another major advantage is their non-drug nature for some types of patches (e.g. neurostimulation patches), which reduces the side effects associated with medications, such as drowsiness or gastrointestinal disorders. Their use does not disrupt the body systemically and thus improves the quality of life of patients, avoiding the risks of addiction.
In addition to being easy to use , the patches are portable and discreet. They can be applied anywhere, making them very practical in an emergency situation. Recent innovations have also made it possible to design lightweight , ergonomic patches that adhere well to the skin, offering a portable solution for people who are often on the move.
In summary, patches combine effectiveness , practicality and comfort, being a gentle and effective alternative for treating migraine attacks.
Disadvantages and limitations of patches
Although migraine patches have many benefits, they also have some limitations . Cost can be a deterrent, especially for patches that use advanced neurostimulation technologies. Their higher price than generic medications can make their regular use less accessible to some patients.
Additionally, not all patches are suitable for all skin types. People with sensitive skin may experience skin irritation or discomfort when removing the device. Minor side effects , such as redness or itching, are possible, although less common than drug side effects. Their effectiveness also varies depending on the type of migraine and the technology used.
For example, neurostimulation patches are not always suitable for severe chronic migraines. In addition, cases of tolerance may develop, reducing their impact over time. Finally, as their marketing is recent, some patches are not yet available in all markets, and their adoption by health authorities varies from one country to another. This may limit their accessibility for patients, pending wider marketing and validation of clinical studies.
Practical guide to choosing and using an anti-migraine patch
Criteria to consider when choosing a patch
The choice of an anti-migraine patch depends on several criteria . The first factor to consider is the type of migraine . Patients suffering from chronic or severe migraines will need more powerful devices, such as neurostimulation patches that act directly on the trigeminal nerve . Conversely, for milder or occasional migraines, a transdermal patch based on natural active ingredients may be sufficient.
Take your 5-question test to find out which patch is right for you 👇
Budget is also a deciding factor. High-tech patches are often more expensive than traditional solutions. It is therefore important to evaluate the cost in relation to the frequency of use. For people with regular attacks, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a reusable device.
Treatment preferences and comfort of use also matter. For example, some people prefer small, discreet patches that are easy to wear during the day, while others may prefer nighttime patches. The shape , integrated technology , and duration of application should be tailored to each user's profile .
How to use an anti-migraine patch correctly?
To ensure the effectiveness of an anti-migraine patch , it is crucial to follow good usage practices. First, read the instructions carefully to understand the method of application to the skin . The application area varies depending on the type of patch, but for neurostimulation devices, they should generally be placed on the arm or forehead, close to the targeted nerve .
Before applying the patch, the skin must be clean and dry to maximize adhesion. Position the patch by pressing firmly, then follow the instructions on the recommended duration (for example, between 15 minutes and a few hours). Do not extend beyond the indicated time to avoid any side effects.
During use, monitor the sensations . If the patch causes discomfort, adjust its position or reduce the intensity of the stimulations, if possible. If redness or irritation occurs, remove the patch immediately.
Finally, remove the patch properly after use, taking care not to damage the skin, especially if the area is sensitive. These steps ensure correct application and optimal relief while minimizing side effects. Following these instructions will improve quality of life and allow the device to be used effectively in a crisis situation.
