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Head band for migraine headache relief
1Headache & Neurology Clinic, Sacramento, CA 95816.
Headache
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Applying local scalp pressure with a special band provided significant migraine headache relief for most patients. This non-pharmacological method suggests scalp blood vessel dilation may contribute to migraine pain.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Non-pharmacological methods like ice packs and scalp pressure are common for migraine relief.
- Mechanical compression offers a potential avenue for managing headache pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel elastic band device for applying local scalp pressure.
- To assess the impact of mechanical scalp compression on migraine headache pain severity.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five migraine patients used an elastic band with rubber discs for local scalp pressure.
- Pain relief was monitored at 10-minute intervals for 30 minutes across 69 headaches.
- Two patients discontinued use due to local tenderness.
Main Results:
- 87% of headaches (60 out of 69) experienced pain relief.
- 40 headaches (67% of improved) reported over 80% pain reduction.
- Pain severity increased upon band removal, indicating temporary efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Local scalp pressure using an elastic band is an effective non-pharmacological treatment for migraine headaches.
- The pain relief achieved suggests that scalp vasodilation may play a role in migraine pathophysiology.