Understanding Pediatric Patient's Perspective on Neurostimulation (Cefaly®™) for Migraine Treatment: A Focus Group Discussion

Authors

  • Julia Anne Craig University of Alberta
  • Kelsey Wright College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
  • Pilar McCann The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
  • Taylor Ness *Patient-Partner; College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada;
  • Thilinie Rajapakse

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/spectrum283

Abstract

Purpose: Migraines are highly prevalent among children and adolescents, leading to significant disability. External trigeminal nerve stimulation (Cefaly®) is an emerging alternative treatment for migraine. These non-invasive wearable devices deliver electrical impulses through the skin to reduce pain transmission. Cefaly® has been government-approved for use in adults but has not been formally studied in pediatric-aged populations. We conducted a focus group with pediatric patients (aged 16-17) and a patient partner (aged 18) diagnosed with chronic migraine to investigate adolescent perspectives on the Cefaly® device. Involving adolescents ahead of a clinical trial is critical for understanding whether the Cefaly® device can be integrated into patients' lives and have a meaningful impact in real-world contexts for pain management.

Methods: Participants partook in a 65-minute virtual semi-structured focus group discussion where they were asked open-ended questions regarding their experiences living with chronic migraine and their impressions of the Cefaly® device and barriers to use.

Results: Participants were keen to try Cefaly® but felt it was best suited for home use due to the device's appearance combined with the length of time required per session. Participants described Cefaly® as most helpful as an adjunct for their existing therapies. The device's portability was regarded as advantageous. Participants especially expressed a favourable perception towards the non-invasive nature of Cefaly® and minimal side effects compared to medications and injection-based treatment options.

Conclusion: Adolescents reported a desire to try Cefaly® for treating their chronic migraines. Clinical studies are needed to validate the efficacy of Cefaly® for pediatric populations.

Author Biographies

Julia Anne Craig, University of Alberta

Julia is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Alberta and a research trainee at the Stollery Children's Headache Clinic in Edmonton, AB. She also completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from the University of Alberta. Her best advice for new undergraduate researchers is to stay curious, ask questions, and embrace mistakes as learning opportunities!

Kelsey Wright, College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Kelsey works as a Coordinator in the Student Wellness Centre at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Her current work promotes evidence-informed health promotion projects on and around campus, specifically in the areas of sexual health and substance use health. Her best advice for undergraduate researchers is to find passionate mentors who exemplify compassion and empathy in
and outside of their working role.

Pilar McCann, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA

Pilar recently completed her undergraduate degree, earning dual majors in neuroscience and psychology from Arizona State University while attending on a full-ride scholarship for swimming. With aspirations to attend medical school, Pilar is currently studying for her MCAT and getting her ducks in a row to apply. Driven by a profound interest in mental health and advocacy, she is determined to promote awareness and develop practical solutions for individuals facing mental health challenges. Her best advice for new undergraduate students is not to rush! You have plenty of time to figure out what you want to do with your life, so take your time and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Everything will work out as it’s meant to.

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Published

2024-11-28

Issue

No. 13 (2024)

Section

Health Sciences

Categories

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Julia Anne Craig, Kelsey Wright, Pilar McCann, Taylor Ness; Thilinie Rajapakse (Faculty Member/Supervisor)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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