Clinical and Psychological Confirmation of Stabilizing Effect of Neurofeedback in Migraine

Abstract

Introduction

Neurofeedback in migraine aims to improve neurophysiological state, which is linked to psychosomatic, emotional and cognitive regulation. Objective and complex evaluation of neurofeedback effects is feasible.

Methods

A single case design cross-over placebo-controlled study with blinded evaluator included 3 females with frequent migraine (N., E., T.), 1 of whom (T.) also had TTH. Study had 4 phases: evaluation (≥ 2 weeks), treatment 1 (5 weeks), treatment 2 (5 weeks), evaluation (≥ 2 weeks). Treatment 1 and 2 included 10 infra-low frequency neurofeedback and 10 sham-neurofeedback sessions at T3T4 site in randomized order. Detailed psychological assessment was performed a baseline, at phase switch and in the end. Every day participants filler a computerized diary about pain, aura, mood, stress, copings. Before each session they received questionnaires “well-being, activity, mood” (rating of the current state between antonym adjectives, in Russian).

Results

The main finding was reduction of migraine (but not TTH) frequency during real, but not sham neurofeedback phase: 11% vs. 31% days in N. (P = 0.1), 15% vs. 30% days in E. (P = 0.046), T. After the start of neurofeedback had only TTH. Another detected phenomena was reduction of day-to-day shifts in cognitive function domains of “well-being, activity, mood” (easy/difficult to think, attentive/distracted). In N. and E these domains had co-dynamic with mood (good/bad mood, happy/sad), while in T. – with anxiety (tensed/relaxed, nervous/calm).

Conclusion

Infra-low frequency neurofeedback from interhemispheric site resulted in decrease in migraine frequency and in reduction of shifts in psychological state. Thus, the treatment had multimodal stabilizing effect.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.