Migraine Awareness Week 2025: How Wearables Are Combatting Migraines In The UK

Migraine Awareness Week is on the 22nd to 28th of September and this week is a reminder to the public that migraines unlike headaches can be a serious health issue for some. People’s work, personal events and other aspects are affected and migraines often leave people feeling let down by healthcare as it isn’t taken as seriously.

This year, new wearable devices are stepping into the spotlight as an alternative to long-standing treatments that often bring side effects or dependency risks.

The rise of these devices are solutions for people who want safe and drug-free management of their symptoms. While awareness week is meant to help with changing public attitudes, technology is also working on giving new fixes.

 

What New Wearable Devices Are Available?

 

One of the most talked about launches in the UK this year is Nerivio, a Remote Electrical Neuromodulation wearable. It is clinically proven to both prevent migraine and ease pain within a couple of hours of use. Nerivio is drug-free and works through a 45-minute session controlled via a smartphone app.

Clinical studies show that 2 out of 3 patients felt relief within 2 hours of using Nerivio. Data also show that 51.6% of users saw their headache days cut in half. Almost 80% of attacks were managed without prescription drugs when patients used the device, making it a welcome choice for those wishing to avoid side effects linked to medication.

The device is worn on the upper arm and activates the body’s natural pain control system. It stimulates receptors under the skin, which triggers a response in the brainstem, dealing with the pain at its source. It can be used either within 60 minutes of the onset of symptoms or every other day for prevention.

The UK launch is being described as timely, as treatment options have long been limited. For women in particular, hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause can worsen attacks, making management complex. Nerivio is meant to support those who are often left with few options.

 

 

How Does CEFALY Work For Migraine Sufferers?

 

Another device that has been in the UK is CEFALY, a wearable that has been marketed as the first line of care for patients with frequent attacks. It is drug-free, non-invasive and certified under the global ISO 13485 medical standard.

CEFALY Enhanced costs £378 and is designed for personal use at home. Users receive pretty straightforward instructions, allowing them to make it part of their daily care routine. According to its makers, the device has a strong safety record compared with oral medication, helping patients cut down on drug use and improve their quality of life.

The device is placed on the forehead and delivers electrical stimulation intended to ease and prevent migraine. Its makers say it improves the lives of most patients who use it, giving them a chance to manage symptoms without dependency on traditional treatments.

Dr Katy Munro, who has spoken publicly about her use of CEFALY, spoke about how devices like this are giving patients a meaningful alternative for those seeking better control of their condition.

 

Why Is Awareness Week So Important?

 

Migraine Awareness Week calls for better understanding of what living with migraine really means.

The theme this year focuses on changing perceptions and on showing people how serious this issue is. It urges employers, healthcare workers and families to recognise that migraine is not someone complaining about a temporarily sore head. It is a neurological condition that requires thoughtful management and access to new forms of treatment.

Awareness Week also plays a role in educating people on new options like Nerivio and CEFALY. With more people learning about drug-free wearables, the conversation can move toward practical solutions rather than misconceptions about migraine being “just a headache”.

For the millions in the UK who live with migraine, tech is opening new doors, but awareness and understanding must grow with it.