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Biofeedback Types for Migraine Treatment

Posted on March 11 2025, By: Cerebral Torque

Biofeedback is a non-invasive, non-pharmacological approach that enables individuals to gain control over physiological processes linked to migraine, such as muscle tension, blood flow, and brain activity. Using monitoring equipment, it provides real-time feedback, allowing patients to learn self-regulation techniques that may reduce migraine frequency, duration, and severity.

Type of Biofeedback Description Targeted Process Application in Migraine Evidence/Notes
Thermal Biofeedback Trains patients to increase skin temperature, typically in the hands, to promote relaxation. Peripheral blood flow and relaxation Reduces stress and tension, common migraine triggers Effective in reducing headache frequency and severity vs. waiting-list controls (Penzien & Irby, 2024; Paudel & Sah, 2025)
EMG (Electromyography) Biofeedback Trains patients to reduce muscle tension, often in the forehead or neck. Muscle tension Decreases muscle tension that can trigger or exacerbate migraine attacks Effective vs. waiting-list controls for reducing headache frequency and severity (Penzien & Irby, 2024; Paudel & Sah, 2025)
BVP (Blood Volume Pulse) Biofeedback Trains patients to constrict the temporal artery, mimicking abortive medications. Blood flow in the temporal artery Prevents vasodilation associated with migraine attacks Specifically designed for migraine; effective vs. waiting-list controls but not superior to active treatments (Penzien & Irby, 2024; Paudel & Sah, 2025)
EEG Biofeedback
(Electroencephalography / Neurofeedback)		 Trains patients to modify brainwave patterns, potentially reducing cortical excitability. Brain activity May decrease migraine likelihood by altering brainwave patterns Early research is promising; more studies needed to confirm efficacy (Penzien & Irby, 2024; Paudel & Sah, 2025)
HRV (Heart Rate Variability) Biofeedback Trains patients to increase heart rate variability through breathing or mindfulness exercises. Autonomic nervous system balance Reduces stress and promotes relaxation, addressing autonomic dysregulation in migraine Supported by studies (Paudel & Sah, 2025; Minen et al., 2021; Cuneo et al., 2023); effective in reducing migraine frequency, severity, and associated symptoms like anxiety

References

  • Penzien, D. B., & Irby, M. B. (2024). Biobehavioral treatments of migraine. In J. W. Swanson & M. Matharu (Eds.), Handbook of Clinical Neurology (Vol. 199, 3rd series, pp. 155-169). Elsevier.
  • Paudel, P., & Sah, A. (2025). Efficacy of biofeedback for migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
  • Minen, M. T., Corner, S., Berk, T., Levitan, V., Friedman, S., Adhikari, S., et al. (2021). Heart rate variability biofeedback for migraine using a smartphone application and sensor: A randomized controlled trial. General Hospital Psychiatry, 69, 41-49.
  • Cuneo, A., Yang, R., Zhou, H., Wang, K., Goh, S., Wang, Y., et al. (2023). The utility of a novel, combined biofeedback-virtual reality device as add-on treatment for chronic migraine. Clinical Journal of Pain, 39, 286-296.

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