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MIGRAINE
Migraine Headache
We could list 50 things that might trigger a headache, but there are at least 50 ways to treat it. One of the most prominent, especially for migraines, is neurofeedback.
Biofeedback Therapy for Migraine Headaches
In the 1970s, sensors were placed on the front of the head to measure muscle tension using an indicator for stress headaches. The indicator would drop when the muscles in the front relaxed. Years later, a sound was added to this system to signal when the threshold for muscle relaxation was reached. This was called a therapeutic tone. At the same time, different pitches of tones can be used to reduce muscle tension. This becomes an additional reward. As the muscles relax, the headaches also decrease.
As biofeedback developed, it began to include not only muscle activity but also brainwaves, heart rate, and breathing when monitoring headaches.
Neurofeedback is a brain exercise that teaches the individual to reduce the brainwaves that create that tension, and it is particularly effective in migraine cases.
There is a meta-analysis study that proves the effectiveness of biofeedback in migraine.
The results of 55 studies were reviewed in Randomized Controlled Trials, including a 17-month follow-up. This supports its acceptance as evidence-based medicine.[1]
American Academy of Neurology, US Headache Consortium,
American Academy of Family Physicians,
American Headache Society,
American College of Emergency Physicians,
American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine,
American Osteopathic Association,
National Headache Foundation
They stated that Biofeedback is a proven treatment method for Migraine.
According to the report of the American Academy of Neurology Quality Standards Subcommittee (Mayo Medical School and Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology, Mississippi Medical School, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Neurology Prof. Dr. Wall E, Assoc. Prof. Dr. J. Keith Campbell, Dr. Donald B. Penzien, Dr. Eric M.), biofeedback is categorized as "Grade A" among cognitive and behavioral treatment recommendations for migraine headaches. Grade A is defined as the effectiveness and quality of evidence, with multiple well-designed randomized clinical trials and consistent results directly related to the recommendation. [2]-[3]
Levels of Proof of Efficacy: Level 4 and Level 5: The evidence gathered and presented in this comprehensive study of efficacy has led to the conclusion that biofeedback can be considered an effective treatment option for migraine. According to the AAPB/ISNR Evidence-Based Medicine criteria, it constitutes Level 4.
A 2008 META Analysis supports biofeedback as an effective and specific treatment option for tension-type headache.[4]
According to the AAPB/ISNR Evidence-Based Medicine criteria, it constitutes the highest level of evidence (Level 5).
Migraine Treatment in Children
You can read in Science Daily that biofeedback is a scientifically proven method.
Studies on biofeedback in childhood migraine indicate that it is effective when used alone.
Biofeedback in Migraine Treatment Guidelines
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and the US Headache Consortium have included biofeedback in their treatment guidelines for migraine treatment.
The National Headache Foundation (NHF) treatment guidelines include biofeedback therapy for stress-related headaches in children aged 10 and older.
The American Pain Society[7] has included biofeedback therapy in its pain treatment guidelines.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and NIH panel[8] and The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) have added biofeedback therapy to their treatment guidelines for pain in cancer patients.
Foods that can trigger headaches
Besides neurofeedback, you need to pay attention to your diet to manage headaches. You should eat regular, nutritious meals. Hypoglycemia can cause headaches. A sugary breakfast can cause abnormal increases and decreases in insulin levels, which can lead to headaches. Some foods can trigger headaches in some people. Some people are sensitive to tomatoes and corn. Some migraines can also be triggered by food, including:
Milk
Chocolate
Eggs
Wheat products
Peanuts
Peanut butter
Carbonated drinks
Tomatoes
Potatoes
Green peppers
Eggplant
Nicotine products
Cheese
Spicy foods
Alcohol (especially red wine and beer)
Vinegar
Coffee
What to do in case of a migraine emergency.
You can intervene with simple methods the moment you think a headache is about to start. Some of these are:
Drink a few glasses of water. Dehydration can worsen headaches.
Sit down. Take a break and take a deep breath.
Do neck exercises. Neck exercises take 3 minutes and will relieve the tension of long hours spent at work.
If your headache is tension-related, put ice cubes on the back of your neck. If you don't have ice, you can also use a cold bottle.
Taking calm breaths from your abdomen changes the oxygen/carbon dioxide ratio in your blood, which helps reduce stress and pain.
Get up and go outside. Take a five-minute walk. Staying indoors and under artificial light for long periods can worsen your headache. Even five minutes outside to get some fresh air and sunlight, if available, will be beneficial.
You can ask a friend to give you a massage to relax your neck, shoulder, and head muscles.
If severe migraine persists, seek professional medical support.
[1] Nestoriuc, Y, Martin, A.(2007) Efficacy of biofeedback for migration: A meta-analysis. Pain 128.111–127
[2] http://www.aan.com/globals/axon/assets/2346.pdf
[3] http://www.aan.com/professionals/practice/pdfs/gl0089.pdf
[4] Nestoriuc, Y, Rief, W, Martin, A. Meta-analysis of biofeedback for tension-type headache: Efficacy, specificity, and treatment moderators. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. June 2008; 76(3): 379-96.
[5] http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/01/010109075815.htm
[6] http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/pb/65329
[7] http://www.americanpainsociety.org/uploads/pdfs/pain-clinic-list%20-%20updated-09-14-12.pdf