Biofeedback in migraine and headache therapy

Biofeedback in migraine and headache therapy

In biofeedback therapy , the therapist usually uses a technical device to measure a specific body function and passes this information back to the patient. In migraine and headache disorders, this is often the head muscles or the pulse rate . Scientific studies also attempt to measure the width of blood vessels or the speed of blood flow. The measurement results are usually displayed to the patient on a screen or with a measuring device. If the body function changes, the display also changes. This feedback on body function allows the patient directly whether their muscles are relaxed, their pulse beats regularly, or their blood flow is increasing or decreasing. In further therapy we then learn to influence these body functions directly and deliberately . The illustration shows the derivation of multiple biosignals during a biofeedback treatment in the Kiel Pain Clinic. Muscle tension (EMG), breathing rate, heart rate and sweat gland activity are measured at the same time. The psychologist explains to the patient the physical reactions to tension and stress. In addition, stress management measures are trained to prevent or counteract overactivity of the nervous system.

Biofeedback with feedback on brain activity

The aim of biofeedback therapy is to enable direct, voluntary control of bodily functions that can normally only be controlled involuntarily. Biofeedback should therefore help to malfunctions visible and to get them under control. As a rule, with biofeedback it is only possible to report back a single body function. In this way, a very specific section of the body's function is depicted and brought to the attention of the patient. This means that biofeedback generally differs from other relaxation methods, such as the progressive muscle relaxation method according to Jacobson, which attempt to influence entire body Different biofeedback procedures are used for migraines. These include the so-called autogenic feedback , blood volume pulse biofeedback and Doppler biofeedback . EMG biofeedbacks and neurofeedback are also used for migraines to induce general relaxation and stress resistance.