Cited by 90Migraine and Headache StudiesTemporomandibular Joint DisordersTraumatic Brain Injury Research

Biofeedback in headache: An overview of approaches and evidence

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Andrasik, Frank·2010·Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

Abstract

Biofeedback-related approaches to headache therapy fall into two broad categories: general biofeedback techniques (often augmented by relaxation-based strategies) and methods linked more directly to the pathophysiology underlying headache. The use of general biofeedback-assisted relaxation techniques for headache has been evaluated extensively by expert panels and meta-analyses. Taken together, these reviews indicate that (1) various forms of biofeedback are effective for migraine and tension-type headache; (2) outcomes with biofeedback rival outcomes with medication therapy; (3) combining biofeedback with medication can enhance outcomes; and (4) despite efficacy in many patients, biofeedback fails to bring significant relief to a sizeable number of headache patients. Biofeedback methods that more directly target headache pathophysiology have focused chiefly on migraine. These headache-specific approaches include blood volume pulse biofeedback, which has considerable supportive evidence, and electroencephalographic feedback.

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  1. [3]3. Andrasik F, Lords AO. Biofeedback. In: Freeman L, ed. Mosby's Com- plementary & Alternative Medicine: A Research-Based Approach. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:189-214.
  2. [5]5. Goslin RE, Gray RN, McCrory DC, Penzien D, Rains J, Hassel- blad V. Behavioral and Physical Treatments for Migraine Headache. Technical Review 2.2, February 1999. Prepared for the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research under Contract No. 290-94-2025. Available from the National Technical Information Service; NTIS Accession No. 127946.
  3. [8]8. Nestoriuc Y, Martin A, Rief W, Andrasik F. Biofeedback treat- ment for headache disorders: a comprehensive effi cacy review. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2008; 33:125-140.
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Authors
Andrasik, F.
Affiliations
Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (US)
Corresponding author
Andrasik, Frank
Venue
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
Published
2010-07
Volume
77
Issue
7 suppl 3
Pages
S72-S76
ISSN
  • 0891-1150 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-2869
OpenAlex
W2038168459
Cited by
90
References
22
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 10 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 6
FWCI
3.71
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Migraine and Headache Studies
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Complementary and Manual Therapy › Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Traumatic Brain Injury Research
Keywords
biofeedback, headache, migraine, tension-type headache, relaxation techniques, headache pathophysiology, pharmacotherapy, treatment efficacy
MeSH terms
Biofeedback, Psychology, Electromyography, Headache, Humans, Migraine Disorders, Relaxation Therapy, Treatment Outcome, Patient Preference

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