Neurobiofeedback(sm) Training for Tension Headaches and Migraines

During the past 10 years of clinical work in Neurobiofeedback(sm) training, it has become apparent that this technique can be extremely helpful in the alleviation of headache symptoms. This includes both conventional headaches often referred to as "tension" headaches, and also migraine headaches. With respect to migraine headaches, two types are identified for Neurobiofeedback(sm) training purposes: 1) precipitated by PMS or food allergies; and 2) precipitated by stress. However, it should also be said that stress is more likely to be the one factor that accompanies most all headaches.

Although Neurobiofeedback(sm) training is not effective for everyone with regard to headaches, most are going to experience a definate improvement. This is because the training directly addresses the root of the problem. In other words, stress, regardless of the type, will determine the severity of the headache. Neurobiofeedback(sm) always addresses this issue. In fact, in order to effect any brainwaves at all, one must first learn how to become relaxed and in control of their own reactions to stress. This process is very simple, yet extremely effective. The difference between learning how to combat stress without "feedback" is that you are not sure if you are actually creating change until you "feel" better. With Neurobiofeedback(sm) you see this change the moment it occurs. This will empower the individual and creat motivation, which is required in order to be successful with Neurobiofeedback(sm). With motivation always follows comliance. Compliance is the key to any effective treatment modality.

Neurobiofeedback(sm) training can therefore assist the individual in promoting change in their physiological state which causes the headache to fade away. This immediate benefit may be appreciated, and may be taken as an indication that the training is effective. However, the objective is to train the brain so that it has a higher threshold for headache onset in general. That is, the training is aimed at improveing self-regulation, so that the brain is much less vulnerable subsequently to the factors which may have triggered headaches previously. This is a learning process, which can require a number of training sessions and moreover it requires some basic "homework" excercises, such as relaxation techniques. With a successful outcome, however, the trainee may experience an essentially headache-free existence. Many graduates have reported being free of migraine headaches for several years after undertaking the Neurobiofeedback(sm) training.

There are causes of headaches which we do not expect to impact with this training. For example, "sinus headaches", in which congestion may be the precipitating cause of the headache, minimal remediation is expected in Neurobiofeedback(sm). One must deal with the underlying cause instead. However, because many headaches can be thought of as stress-related, particularly if we take the word "stress" in its inclusive sense, namely that the brain is in a less than optimal state because of "stressors" in the person's life. In these instances, teaching the person to self-regulate can reduce the progrssion of the headache.

With conventional headaches, a complete training regimen may require only about 10 training sessions. For migraine headaches, the training regimen may be somewhat longer. The success rate using Neurobiofeedback(sm) for headaches has been extremely high. More than 80% of persons who complete the training regimen report remediation of headache symptoms.

Note: The word Neurobiofeedback(sm) is used here to describe the combination of both traditional biofeedback (EMG) and neurofeedback (EEG). Since we offer both of these techniques, often together, we coined the word Neurobiofeedback(sm) to communicate about this marriage between the two techniques. However, most of the literature will refer to tradional biofeedback as EMG-biofeedback and/or biofeedback. While neurofeedback will often be referred to as EEG-biofeedback, neurotherapy, and/or neurofeedback. This may be helpful to note when reading literature because there is a very distinct difference between the two techniques. One simply deals with EMG or muscle activity (biofeedback), while the other deals primarily with EEG or brainwave activity.

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A neurobiological treatment for migraine: The response of four cases of migraine to EEG biofeedback training.
Tansey, Michael A. (1991). Headache Quarterly: Current Treatment and Research, (vol ?) 90-96.

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