Chapter 6, Episode 3: Behavioral Therapies for Migraine
This content has been medically reviewed by Lindsey Plato-Johnson DNP, FNP-BC, AQH.
Behavioral therapies offer individuals a way to manage migraine disease without medication. These treatments are usually considered if a person has four or more headache days a month, or at least two very bad headache days a month.
There are different kinds of behavioral therapies based on an individual’s needs and preferences such as cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, relaxation training and biofeedback. For some people, behavioral therapies have been found to decrease the frequency, severity and disability of migraine attacks.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most studied therapies for migraine. A trained professional helps people identify their negative thought and behavior patterns and replace them with more positive and realistic ones. They can also help them modify behavioral habits such as sleeping patterns, eating habits, medication usage and more.
Acceptance and commitment therapy is different from cognitive behavioral therapy. Instead of changing negative thoughts, it aims to help individuals accept their thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Biofeedback teaches people how their body functions using sensors to measure heart rate, blood pressure, brain waves, skin temperature and more. For migraine and tension headache, biofeedback can detect muscle tension, especially in the forehead, jaw and neck. The goal of biofeedback is to learn how to control how the body reacts to certain situations and triggers.
Relaxation training helps individuals achieve a state of emotional and physical relaxation. Techniques include muscle relaxation, deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness and guided imagery.
Behavioral therapies can be helpful for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, who are unable to take medications, who have or are at risk for medication overuse headache, or who live with other conditions like anxiety or depression. Children can also benefit from these therapies.
Behavioral therapies work best when combined with other migraine treatments like medications, devices, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
Not only are behavioral therapies helpful for migraine disease, they can also help improve coping skills, reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
For more information, visit migrainedisorders.org
*The contents of this video are intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. AMD does not recommend or endorse any treatment, products, or procedures mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.