Tiara-like headband prevents migraines (Cefaly)

In March 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first device aimed at preventing migraines - a tiara-like headband called Cefaly. It runs on a battery and sits across the forehead and over the ears. See the CNN video below.

The device applies an electric current to the skin and underlying body tissues to stimulate branches of the trigeminal nerve, which has been associated with migraine headaches.

Cefaly is made by Belgium-based Cefaly Technology and is available by prescription only in the U.S. It is apparently available OTC by Costco in Canada for $250.

The device is only indicated for use by adults and should only be used for 20 minutes per day.



Related reading:

FDA Approves First Device to Prevent Migraines – WebMD http://buff.ly/1goSmbk

Hospitalist evolution? "Extensivist" = hospitalist who prevents readmissions by seeing patients after discharge

"On a typical morning, Sandip Patel, MD, a hospitalist employed by a health plan in Southern California, rounds on patients at the hospital, then meets with case managers and a medical director to review care plans and decide which patients will stay or go.

In the afternoon, Dr. Patel may see recently discharged patients—those coded "red" or "yellow," based on medical complexity—at an integrated-care center, which is also owned and run by the health plan. Then he might head to a nursing home to check on patients discharged a week ago.

Dr. Patel considers himself an "extensivist" with a goal to reduce readmissions. "Lowering readmission rates is within the purview of the hospitalists."

References:
Health-plan hospitalists cut readmissions—by sometimes leaving the hospital. Today's Hospitalist, 2010.
Median adult hospitalist compensation up slightly to $220,619 in 2010 http://goo.gl/D9rHp

Image source: sxc.hu