Retrospective Study of the Efficacy of Biofeedback Therapy for Pediatric Persistent Posttraumatic Headache
Anisha C Schwarz1, Cora C Breuner2, Heidi K Blume3
1Mary Bridge Children's Neurology, Tacoma, WA, USA.
Insights
Biofeedback therapy can help children with posttraumatic headache. Over 40% of pediatric patients experienced reduced headache frequency or severity, showing it
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pain Management
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Posttraumatic headache is a frequent issue in children.
- Few treatments specifically target posttraumatic headache in pediatrics.
- Biofeedback therapy's efficacy for posttraumatic headache in children is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy for pediatric posttraumatic headache.
- To identify factors associated with positive responses to biofeedback therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 74 pediatric patients (aged 10-18) receiving biofeedback therapy for posttraumatic headache.
- Defined positive response as ≥50% reduction in headache days or a 3-point drop in pain rating.
- Used logistic regression to analyze patient characteristics related to treatment response.
Main Results:
- 42% of patients showed a positive response to biofeedback therapy.
- 36% experienced a ≥50% decrease in headache frequency; 13% had a ≥3-point decrease in severity.
- School absences and use of SSRIs or preventive medications were linked to nonresponse.
Conclusions:
- Biofeedback therapy is a viable treatment option for pediatric posttraumatic headache.
- Over 40% of patients experienced significant benefits with minimal adverse effects.
- Further research into biofeedback for pediatric posttraumatic headache is warranted.
Abstract:
BackgroundPosttraumatic headache is common in pediatrics. Studies have examined treatment of postconcussion symptoms, but few target posttraumatic headache. Biofeedback therapy has been studied in children and teens with primary headaches, but not posttraumatic headache. Our goal was to examine the changes in posttraumatic headache associated with biofeedback therapy in pediatric patients.MethodsThis retrospective study included 74 children aged 10-18 years who received biofeedback therapy for posttraumatic headache. "Positive response" to biofeedback therapy was defined as ≥50% reduction in headache days per week, or 3-point drop in pain rating between the first and last biofeedback therapy visits. Patient characteristics were analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors associated with response.ResultsIn our cohort, 42% of all patients with posttraumatic headache had a positive response to biofeedback therapy. Thirty-six percent experienced ≥50% decrease in headache frequency, 13% had a ≥3-point decrease in headache severity and 8% reported both changes. For those with daily headaches, 36% had a positive response to biofeedback therapy. School absences, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or prescription preventive medication use were associated with nonresponse.ConclusionsBiofeedback therapy is a reasonable treatment to consider to manage pediatric posttraumatic headache because more than 40% of our cohort had a beneficial response and biofeedback therapy has few adverse effects.
