Managing Migraine as a Mom

Living with migraine isn't just about managing pain. It's about navigating everyday life while searching for real, lasting relief. For Xena Carr - a mom, entrepreneur, and content creator - the journey to finding something that actually helped took years. But when she tried CEFALY, her entire migraine routine changed.

In a candid episode of The Migraine Circle Podcast by CEFALY, Xena shares how she discovered the device, her initial reaction, and why it’s now a go-to tool in her migraine relief routine.

A life interrupted by migraine

Xena began experiencing migraine attacks at just 13 years old. Initially mistaken for eye issues, her symptoms grew more complex over time, evolving into a debilitating condition. By the age of 28, her migraines escalated to the point where she landed in the ER with what doctors suspected might have been a mini-stroke or complex migraine.

For years, Xena juggled parenting, a growing business, and frequent, long-lasting migraine attacks — some lasting up to eight days.

“I was trying a million things, and it just wouldn’t let up,” she explained. “I was exhausted from the pain, and constantly taking Excedrin gave me rebound migraines.”

Trying CEFALY for the first time: “I was nervous, but hopeful”

After seeing CEFALY online and hearing about it from her mother-in-law, Xena finally decided to try it during the early signs of a migraine attack. At first, she was apprehensive.

"I was definitely a little concerned. I'd heard all kinds of things, like it might feel like shocking - I didn't know what to expect."

But the results surprised her.

"The first feeling I got was this tingly sensation up in my hairline - not painful at all. I kept it at a comfortable level and bumped it up gradually. After the session, my head pain was gone. My nausea was gone. I was good to go."

That first session was a turning point. Xena realized that CEFALY could actually stop a migraine in its tracks, something many tools had failed to do for her in the past.

Adding CEFALY to her migraine toolkit

Though Xena's current routine includes Botox, IV medications, and lifestyle adjustments, she still deals with breakthrough migraine attacks. CEFALY has become a trusted tool she turns to when symptoms begin.

"I've used it multiple times now during attacks, and it really helps. I haven't been consistent with prevention mode yet, but when I feel one coming on, I use the device, take my anti-nausea meds, and do my whole routine. It's become part of that flow."

For Xena, CEFALY brought a renewed sense of control.

"Before, I didn't have something I could count on. Now, I feel confident that I can manage my day, even if a migraine starts."

What makes CEFALY different?

For many people with migraine, treatment options are limited — especially for those with a history of stroke, like Xena, who can’t use triptans or hormonal treatments.

"I love that CEFALY doesn't have side effects like most medications. Once it's off, that's it. And if it makes you sleepy, that's honestly a plus when you're in pain."

Xena also mentioned that CEFALY is VA-covered, meaning it's accessible for military families like hers. She's hoping her husband, who also has migraine, can benefit from CEFALY as well.

Advice for other moms with migraine

Xena’s message is clear: Don’t give up.

“Even if something only helps a little, building it into a routine of things can really change your life.”

Her advice for those feeling stuck?

"Try CEFALY. It surprised me how well it worked. Just keep trying until you find what helps - because getting your life back, even piece by piece, is so worth it."

Take the first step toward relief

Migraine doesn't just affect your head - it can affect your entire life. But as Xena's story shows, building a personalized migraine toolkit that includes CEFALY can offer real, restorative relief.

If you’re looking for something drug-free, clinically backed, and non-invasive, CEFALY offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee so you can try it for yourself.

Because every migraineur deserves to feel hopeful again.