Migraine

There is no cure and often Migraine is primarily treated with anti-inflammatory medicines (e.g. ibuprofen) and painkillers (e.g. aspirin, paracetamol) for the headache and antiemetic for the nausea. Other medications (triptans or ergotamines) are prescribed when these ‘simple’ medications aren’t effective. However, there is a risk that frequently taking medications results in ‘medication overuse headache’; headaches become more severe and more frequent. Nutritional supplements, lifestyle adjustments and surgery are other treatment recommendations, mostly when headaches occur more than twice a week, medication isn’t tolerated, or when severe attacks are (too) difficult to control.

Despite intensive research and the fact that 15% of the population is affected by Migraine, the exact cause of Migraine hasn’t been discovered yet. Researchers believe it has to do with changes in chemicals of the brain or increased excitability of the cerebral cortex. Also, genetic factors has shown to play an important role in the occurrence of Migraine, as well as emotional, physical, dietary, environmental and medicinal ‘triggers’. Additionally, there seems to be a connection between Migraine and hormonal influences (e.g. menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause).

Neurofeedback training can help with dysfunctions in the central nervous system, such as the increased excitability of the cerebral cortex in the case of Migraine. Because of working directly with the central nervous system, Neurofeedback training can be very effective in stabilising the excitability of the cerebral cortex what will result in reduced headaches, less sensitivity and improvements in other symptoms associated with Migraine.

In this 2010 study, 37 migraine patients were treated with Neurofeedback, and 70% experienced at least a 50% reduction in the frequency of their headaches which was sustained on average 14.5 months after treatment: Stokes, Deborah A., and Martha S. Lappin. “Neurofeedback and biofeedback with 37 migraineurs: a clinical outcome study.” Behav Brain Funct 2 (2010): 6-9.

In this 2011 study, more that 50% of those trained with Neurofeedback experienced complete cessation of their migraines. The researchers concluded “Neurofeedback appears to be dramatically effective in abolishing or significantly reducing headache frequency in patients with recurrent migraine”. Walker, Jonathan E. “QEEG-guided neurofeedback for recurrent migraine headaches.” Clinical EEG and Neuroscience 42.1 (2011): 59-61.

BrainTrainUK client Sue Lane suffered migraines for 28 years until 2015  when she came to see us –read Sue’s story here.

To learn more about Neurofeedback for Migraine, visit: www.braintrainuk.com