Editorial update: CEFALY Australia, 11 September 2026. General information only, not a diagnosis or personalised treatment advice. CEFALY Australia sells the device discussed below.
Headache relief depends on the type and cause of the headache. Tension-type headache, migraine and other headache disorders are not interchangeable. This guide explains common patterns, practical questions to ask and where CEFALY does—and does not—fit.
Urgent help: call 000 for a sudden, severe headache or one with confusion, neck stiffness or vision changes. Do not delay care for home remedies. Healthdirect’s emergency guidance.
Tension headache or migraine?
Tension-type headache commonly feels like dull pressure or tightness on both sides of the head. Migraine often involves throbbing pain with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. These patterns can help you describe your symptoms, but they do not replace a diagnosis. Healthdirect explains common headache types.
Describe what happens in your own words: where the pain is, how it feels, what other symptoms occur and how it affects your normal activities. A clinician can use that detail to decide whether further assessment or a different treatment is needed.
What can help with tension headache relief?
Treatment may include addressing triggers, self-care and appropriate medicines. Different headache types need different plans. Ask a pharmacist or doctor before starting a new pain reliever, particularly if you already use other medicines or have a medical condition. Repeatedly relying on acute medicines deserves a treatment review. Migraine & Headache Australia explains the principles of headache treatment.
For recurring headaches, take a record to your appointment rather than trying another remedy without knowing the cause. Note the date, symptoms, medicines or devices used and whether the headache affected work, sleep or other activities.
Headache remedies and pressure points: keep expectations realistic
A massage or relaxation practice may feel comforting, but comfort is not proof that it treats the underlying headache disorder. Evidence for complementary approaches differs, and findings for one technique cannot automatically be applied to another. NCCIH summarises the evidence and limitations.
Our migraine remedies guide explains the distinction between everyday habits, complementary approaches and medical devices. It also covers why a “natural” label is not a guarantee of safety.
Does CEFALY treat tension headaches?
CEFALY Enhanced is intended for migraine treatment and prevention of episodic migraine in adults—not as a general treatment for every headache. It should not be presented as a proven treatment for tension-type headache. See the device indications, contraindications and warnings.
If you have diagnosed migraine, you can read about CEFALY’s clinical evidence and migraine relief options. Ask your healthcare professional whether a device belongs in your plan. Do not use it to postpone assessment of pain with an unknown cause.
When should recurring headaches be checked?
Arrange medical advice if headaches are worsening, changing or disrupting daily life. A change from your usual pattern matters even if you have previously been diagnosed with migraine. Read healthdirect’s guidance on seeking care.
Questions to take to your appointment
- What type of headache is most likely, and does it need further investigation?
- What should I do during the next attack?
- How often can I safely use my acute treatment?
- Should we discuss prevention or a referral?
For product information, explore CEFALY Enhanced or contact our Australian team. For diagnosis and personalised treatment, speak with your healthcare professional.