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How is Biodfeedback Used as a Migraine Cure?

The large number of migraine sufferers in the world today has given spurred research on the forms of therapies to treat the disease. The most common, of course, is the use of medications; however, more and more migraineurs theses days are opting for alternative and complementary treatment methods.

These therapies are based on natural and traditional methods, as opposed to the conventional ones that employ medications as the main form of treatment. The alternative approach is also different in that it focuses on improving the quality of life of a patient, and not just the relief of symptoms.

Biofeedback is one of the alternative or complementary methods used for migraine cure. It involves training the patient to improve his health by controlling processes inside the body such as blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension. These are assessed by attaching electrodes on the parts to be measured so they can be made “visible”.

Visibility can be achieved by using a screen with lines on a grid, or a meter that varies in pitch or brightness. Through the images displayed or the sounds heard, the patient and the health practitioner can “visualize” what goes on inside the body. The patient is then taught certain mental exercises that are designed to control body processes.

Three types of biofeedback methods are used. These are electromyography or EMG, which determines the tension in the muscles; thermal biofeedback, which measures the temperature of the skin; and electroencephalography (EEG), which assesses brain waves.

With EMG, sensors that are attached to the skin sound off an alert whenever there is tension in a muscle that can trigger migraine headache. Hearing the alert enables the patient to recognize the feeling so that he can then apply techniques that will relax the muscle.

After many sessions, the patient will be much attuned to his own body’s signals that he will no longer need machines to let him know that a muscle is tense.

Thermal biofeedback monitors the skin temperature, which decreases whenever the patient is under stress. As soon as a low reading is seen, then the patient uses relaxation techniques to relieve himself of stress.

Stress is one of the most common migraine triggers; and being able to recognize the body’s signals and promptly making it relax may significantly lower the incidence of migraine attacks.

EMG allows the patient and the biofeedback therapist to see what goes on inside the brain when pain is experienced during a migraine headache. Techniques focus on the brainwaves that are associated with the pain, so the patient can learn to minimize them.

Like most non-conventional therapies, the use of biofeedback as a migraine cure needs further study. Although it is considered safe, patients must still consult with their physicians if they intend on using it as a complement to their treatment. 

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