Biofeedback therapy for pediatric headache: factors associated with response
Heidi K Blume1, Libby N Brockman, Cora C Breuner
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle Children's Hospital, Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle, WA, USA. heidi.blume@seattlechildrens.org
Headache
|July 19, 2012
Summary
Biofeedback therapy (BFT) effectively reduces headache frequency in children and adolescents. Factors like improved hand temperature and SSRI use correlate with positive outcomes in pediatric headache management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Behavioral Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- 17% of US children experience frequent or severe headaches.
- Biofeedback therapy (BFT) is a recommended treatment for pediatric headaches, but evidence is limited.
- Identifying patient subgroups that benefit most from BFT is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of BFT in pediatric headache patients.
- To identify predictors of positive response to BFT in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 132 pediatric patients (aged 8-18) treated with BFT for headaches (2004-2008).
- Data collected included headache characteristics, medication use, and psychosocial factors (depression, anxiety, somatization).
- Response defined as ≥50% reduction in headache frequency/duration or ≥3-point decrease in severity.
Main Results:
- Median headache frequency decreased from 3.5 to 2 days/week.
- Overall response rate was 58% (73% for episodic, 48% for chronic headaches).
- Positive response associated with increased hand temperature and SSRI use; nonresponse linked to preventive medication use.
Conclusions:
- BFT demonstrates efficacy for both episodic and chronic headaches in children and adolescents.
- Further research is needed to compare BFT with other treatments for chronic pediatric headaches.
- The association between SSRI use and BFT response warrants further investigation.
