Role of parent-mediated pain behavior management strategies in biofeedback treatment of childhood migraines

This study explored the use of parent-mediated pain behavior management strategies as an adjunct to the biofeedback treatment of children with migraine headaches. 27 children, aged 7–18 yrs, presenting with migraine headaches were randomly assigned to either a biofeedback treatment group or a biofeedback treatment group that included pain behavior management guidelines for parents. Both groups demonstrated significant reductions in headache activity. The group receiving parent-mediated pain management guidelines, however, evidenced significantly greater reductions in headache frequency, were more likely to experience clinically significant improvements, and were more likely to be headache-free. In addition, the group that received parent-mediated pain management guidelines reported children who demonstrated better adaptive functioning during treatment and at 3-month follow-up. The addition of parent-mediated pain behavior management guidelines are supported as an important adjunct to the clinical management of migraine headaches in children.