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Biofeedback and relaxation-response training in the treatment of pediatric migraine
Insights
This study found that relaxation-response training and pain behavior management effectively treat pediatric migraine. These benefits for childhood migraine headaches were sustained one year post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Psychology
Background:
- Pediatric migraine is a common neurological disorder impacting children's quality of life.
- Effective, non-pharmacological treatments are needed for childhood migraine management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of electromyographic biofeedback, relaxation-response training, and pain behavior management for pediatric migraine.
- To compare the effectiveness of combined treatments versus isolated treatments and a control group.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, controlled trial involving 18 children (8-12 years) with migraine.
- Three groups were studied: all three treatments, relaxation-response training with pain behavior management, and a waiting-list control.
- Headache records were maintained throughout the study and at a one-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Both treatment groups showed significant reductions in headache symptoms compared to the control group.
- No significant differences were observed between the two active treatment groups.
- Symptom reduction was maintained one year after treatment completion.
Conclusions:
- Relaxation-response training, with or without biofeedback, combined with pain behavior management, is an effective treatment for pediatric migraine.
- These non-pharmacological interventions offer a viable alternative for managing childhood migraine headaches.
Abstract:
To assess the efficacy of electromyographic biofeedback, relaxation-response training and pain behavior management as a treatment for pediatric migraine, we studied 18 children between the ages of eight and 12 years (mean = 10 X 1) in a prospective, randomized, controlled investigation. Six patients received all three treatment procedures, six received relaxation-response training and pain behavior management, and the remaining six constituted a waiting-list control group. All patients kept a record of their headaches for the 15-week study period and then for four weeks one year later. Following four weeks of baseline, the treatment groups completed nine one-hour treatment sessions in 11 weeks. Both treatment groups experienced a significant reduction in headache symptoms and were significantly improved compared to the waiting-list control group by the end of treatment. The treatment groups did not differ from each other in any of these comparisons. The reduction in headache symptoms in the treatment groups was maintained one year after treatment ended. These results suggest that relaxation-response training, with or without biofeedback training, combined with pain behavior management, is an effective alternative treatment for pediatric migraine.