Experts suggest that behavioral treatments can prevent and reduce the pain associated with Migraine and may help limit the amount of medications needed (and their potential side effects). According to Donald Penzien, PhD, behavioral approaches can reduce Migraine frequency by as much as 55 percent.
Full Answer
How can behavioral treatment help my migraine?
May 25, 2017 · Behavioral treatments address issues like anxiety and depression, and thus may help ease migraine symptoms. CBT looks at your thought patterns. If you have a negative spiral of thought patterns, that can contribute to depression. If your thought patterns take you down the path of anxiety, that can manifest in a stress migraine.
Can lifestyle changes help my migraine?
Feb 18, 2017 · Feeling sleepy/tired was the most common and most bothersome side effect. Nearly 7 out of 10 want to wait to see if it really is a migraine. Nearly half want to take medications only if it is a severe attack. High cost is a reason in one in three for not refilling a headache medication.
Can CBT help with a stress migraine?
According to the American Migraine Foundation, 30 to 60 percent of all patients who opt for behavioral treatments end up with many fewer headaches than before they underwent therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on how to better handle stress, which is considered the most common headache trigger. Not only does stress make migraines more likely, it can …
Can relaxation training help my migraine?
Dec 12, 2017 · The US Headache Consortium has outlined the objectives for acute migraine treatment, which serve as a useful guide for physicians : 1) treat attacks rapidly and consistently without recurrence; 2) restore patient’s ability to function; 3) minimize the use of back-up and rescue medications; 4) optimize self-care and reduce subsequent use of resources; 5) to be …
What are some behavioral methods for reducing the pain of headaches?
Three behavior therapy techniques have been developed for use with headache patients: biofeedback therapy, relaxation training, and stress coping training.
What is the mechanism of action of migraine medications?
The preventive antimigraine medications act by increasing the tone of the extacranial arteries, inhibiting the mechanism of neurogenic inflammation, or inhibiting pain transmission within the central nervous system.
Why is medicine not helping my migraine?
The most common trigger that makes patients difficult to treat is medication overuse. A patient who is taking an over-the-counter medication that contains caffeine on a daily basis, may not get better. The very medicine they take to relieve their pain triggers their next headache as it wears off.
Is there a psychological component to migraines?
However, psychological factors can be involved in migraine in 4 different ways:- 1) Migraines can be triggered by psychological stressors; 2) Severe migraine can itself be a cause of significant psychological stress which can, in turn, exacerbate the problem; 3) Even if psychological stress is not significantly ...
What happens in the brain during a migraine?
But during a migraine, these stimuli feel like an all-out assault. The result: The brain produces an outsize reaction to the trigger, its electrical system (mis)firing on all cylinders. This electrical activity causes a change in blood flow to the brain, which in turn affects the brain's nerves, causing pain.Jun 14, 2019
What is the mechanism of action of triptans?
Triptans are serotonin receptor agonists and have at least three different mechanisms of action: vasoconstriction of pain-sensitive intracranial vessels by acting on vascular smooth muscle; inhibition of the release of vasoactive neuropeptides, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide, from trigeminal afferents on the ...Feb 27, 2012
What happens if triptans don't work?
What do you do if you take a triptan and it doesn't work? If you wait two hours and your triptan's still not working, you might have to use another acute treatment (like an NSAID) for that attack. You could also try heading to a dark, quiet room and using home remedies to help relieve the pain.
What is in the migraine cocktail?
The exact medications used in a migraine cocktail can vary, but it typically includes triptans, NSAIDs, and antiemetics. A migraine cocktail is also available in OTC medication. OTC products usually contain aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine.May 26, 2020
Can triptans make migraines worse?
Triptans can cause rebound headache, but their overuse is limited simply because the majority of insurance companies allot so few per prescription.Mar 12, 2018
Do migraines affect emotions?
Moodiness. A change in mood is part of the migraine package for about 60% of people. When it happens before a migraine hits, doctors call it "prodrome." A mood swing after a migraine eases is called "postdrome." Researchers haven't fully connected the dots between migraine headaches and moodiness.Aug 22, 2021
Can migraines be caused by emotional trauma?
The link between emotional abuse and migraines Headaches are about three times more common in women than men. While all forms of childhood maltreatment have been shown to be linked to migraines, the strongest and most significant link is with emotional abuse.Jul 11, 2016
Can migraines affect personality?
Conclusions. Compared to those without migraine, migraineurs often endorse higher levels of the personality trait “neuroticism,” a susceptibility to a variety of negative affective states, which may increase their vulnerability to emotional dysregulation and psychiatric disorders.May 22, 2013
How to treat migraine headaches?
Treatment may focus on any or all of the following: Wellness Activities (Healthy Sleep, Physical Activity and Eating) Relaxation Strategies and Stress Management Techniques.
Why don't people take migraine pills?
There are many reasons why people do not take headache or migraine medications: Concerns about adverse side effects leads to a delay in taking medication in more than one in three. Feeling sleepy/tired was the most common and most bothersome side effect.
Why do psychologists treat migraines?
Psychologists are involved in the treatment of headaches and migraine because they know the pain is real. They can offer effective strategies for the management of this pain. They also know patients suffering from headaches or migraine many are in a vicious cycle. For the sufferer, it can be very helpful to discuss all this with someone familiar ...
How to treat a swollen head?
Treatment may focus on any or all of the following: 1 Wellness Activities (Healthy Sleep, Physical Activity and Eating) 2 Relaxation Strategies and Stress Management Techniques 3 Managing Headache Triggers 4 Modifying Thoughts to Make Them More Adaptive and Beneficial 5 Pacing of Activities
What are the causes of headaches?
These include problems with sleep, having a history of childhood abuse or neglect, or taking medication too often for your headaches.
What happens if you have a headache and are stressed?
This means that if you have a headache and are stressed, it is likely that the headache will have more of an impact on your life. This impact affects time with family/friends, things you do for fun, and work.
How does CBT help with pain?
It helps to understand how thoughts and behaviors affect symptoms. CBT helps to understand how to change the way the body responds to anticipated pain. You and the psychologist or behaviorist will set specific treatment goals together. The chief goal is to exchange sick time for wellness time.
How many people have migraines?
Migraines affect an estimated 36 million Americans, most of them women. While medication to treat migraine headaches has improved, the drugs currently available often don’t work for many patients. In contrast, behavioral treatment is considered safe and effective and often is less expensive than the medications.
What is CBT therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Stress Management. Relaxation Techniques (including Breathing Exercises) Biofeedback. According to the American Migraine Foundation, 30 to 60 percent of all patients who opt for behavioral treatments end up with many fewer headaches than before they underwent therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) ...
Does CBT help with migraines?
Here’s some other good news about how CBT can affect migraines: evidence from two randomized trials with patients who reported having at least 15 migraine days a month and also suffered from insomnia showed that CBT used to address the insomnia also reduced migraine frequency. Andrew Weil, M.D. Sources:
Does stress cause migraines?
Not only does stress make migraines more likely, it can contribute to them lasting longer and being more painful. Biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation are the most widely accepted non-drug techniques for headache control and prevention.
How long does dihydroergotamine last?
Available as a nasal spray or injection, this drug is most effective when taken shortly after the start of migraine symptoms for migraines that tend to last longer than 24 hours. Side effects can include worsening of migraine-related vomiting and nausea.
What are the two types of medications used to treat migraines?
Medications used to combat migraines fall into two broad categories: Pain-relieving medications. Also known as acute or abortive treatment, these types of drugs are taken during migraine attacks and are designed to stop symptoms. Preventive medications.
What is the best way to diagnose migraines?
Diagnosis. If you have migraines or a family history of migraines, a doctor trained in treating headaches (neurologist) will likely diagnose migraines based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical and neurological examination. If your condition is unusual, complex or suddenly becomes severe, tests to rule out other causes ...
What medications can help with migraines?
Blood pressure-lowering medications. These include beta blockers such as propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran XL, others) and metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor). Calcium channel blockers such as verapamil (Verelan) can be helpful in preventing migraines with aura. Antidepressants .
How to get rid of migraines?
When symptoms of migraine start, try heading to a quiet, darkened room. Close your eyes and rest or take a nap. Place a cool cloth or ice pack wrapped in a towel or cloth on your forehead or at the back of your neck.
Can you take ubrogepant with rimegepant?
Ubrogepant and rimegepant should not be taken with strong CYP3A4 inhibitor drugs. Opioid medications. For people who can't take other migraine medications, narcotic opioid medications might help. Because they can be highly addictive, these are usually used only if no other treatments are effective.
Can you take ubrogepant with a CYP3A4 inhibitor?
Ubrogepant should not be taken with strong CYP3A4 inhibitor drugs . CGRP antagonists. Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) and rimegepant (Nurtec ODT) are oral CGRP antagonists recently approved for the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults.
What is behavioral approach to migraine?
Behavioral approaches are effective Migraine treatment alternatives to pills or devices, and they can also be used alongside more traditional approaches. Like with any long term treatment, the effects tend to get better the more you use it, so stick with it.
How does cognitive behavioral therapy help with migraine?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy works to help Migraine by: Improving coping skills – CBT helps you develop and use coping skills to manage pain. Encouraging problem solving – Learned helplessness can prevent one from taking charge of a situation.
How to relax muscles?
First, you deliberately tense a certain muscle group. Then, you relax those muscles and let the tension flow away. This process is repeated for all major muscle groups in your body from your head to your toes.
What is the best therapy for coping with pain?
1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Advertisement. Cognitive behavioral therapy , also known as CBT, is a popular type of psychotherapy that involves identifying and challenging negative thoughts and behaviors. By changing thought patterns, people learn to develop better coping skills and alter their awareness of pain.
How effective is mindfulness meditation?
A 2014 study in the journal Headache suggests that mindfulness meditation is effective in reducing the duration and intensity of Migraine attacks ( 3 ). There are four components of mindfulness: Self-awareness.
How to reduce migraine pain?
Progressive muscle relaxation is an effective technique for managing migraines during which you consciously concentrate on tensing and then relaxing every muscle in your body. Reducing muscle tension can lead to lower Migraine pain. This relaxation technique consists of two main steps.
How long does cognitive behavioral therapy last?
Therapy sessions are short-term, unlike other forms of psychotherapy. Sessions usually run for 16 to 20 weeks.
Can you take behavioral medicine for migraines?
Many people who experience migraines may not be taking advantage of behavioral treatments for the debilitating headaches, even if doctors recommend these beneficial methods to patients, a new study suggests.
Is cognitive behavioral therapy safe for migraines?
Despite some patients' skepticism, there is actually good scientific evidence that three behavioral therapies — cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback and relaxation techniques — are safe and cost-effective treatments for migraines, with lasting benefits, Minen told Live Science.
Thoughts affect behavior
Successful Migraine management depends, in part, on how we respond to the challenges of living with migraine. We may be asked to make lifestyle changes or break old habits. Our ability to change is strengthened or weakened by many factors, such as…
Link between pain and emotion
Mind-body connection According to a May 2017 study published in Neurological Sciences, there’s an overlap between brain structures and neurological processes involved in both pain perception and emotional response. We may feel depressed or anxious as a result of pain. It’s also possible to feel physical pain in response to emotional distress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Migraine is different
When cognitive behavioral therapy for Migraine uses several treatment modalities. Some interventions focus on thoughts or behavior alone, while others take a more holistic approach. Expect to practice new skills between sessions. Treatment is focused on creating long-term changes in how we think and behave.
Access to CBT is changing
One of the complaints about CBT has been the time and expense involved in treatment. Finding a qualified therapist with training in Migraine and other headache disorders is even more challenging. With a shortage of qualified therapists, many patients are unable to access treatment.
Diagnosis
- If you have migraines or a family history of migraines, a doctor trained in treating headaches (neurologist) will likely diagnose migraines based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical and neurological examination. If your condition is unusual, complex or suddenly becomes severe, tests to rule out other causes for your pain might include: 1. Magnetic resonan…
Treatment
- Migraine treatment is aimed at stopping symptoms and preventing future attacks. Many medications have been designed to treat migraines. Medications used to combat migraines fall into two broad categories: 1. Pain-relieving medications.Also known as acute or abortive treatment, these types of drugs are taken during migraine attacks and are designed to stop sym…
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- When symptoms of migraine start, try heading to a quiet, darkened room. Close your eyes and rest or take a nap. Place a cool cloth or ice pack wrapped in a towel or cloth on your forehead and drink lots of water. These practices might also soothe migraine pain: 1. Try relaxation techniques.Biofeedback and other forms of relaxation training teach you ways to deal with stres…
Alternative Medicine
- Nontraditional therapies might help with chronic migraine pain. 1. Acupuncture.Clinical trials have found that acupuncture may be helpful for headache pain. In this treatment, a practitioner inserts many thin, disposable needles into several areas of your skin at defined points. 2. Biofeedback.Biofeedback appears to be effective in relieving migraine pain. This relaxation tech…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- You'll probably first see a primary care provider, who might then refer you to a doctor trained in evaluating and treating headaches (neurologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.