**6. Results and discussion**

According to the treatment of the person with a migraine, we have done a total of 25 treatments. Three modalities were used at each treatment: neurofeedback, vascular training, and breathing techniques. Duration of one treatment was 1 h and 30 min. The training sessions were done 2–3 times per week. The results were a reduction in the frequency of migraine attacks, as well as a reduction in pain severity during the attacks. The reduction in the frequency of migraine attacks and in the strength of pain was gradual. In September, the person had nine migraines, with pain ranges between 8 and 9. In October, the person had six migraine attacks (3 less), pain strengths from 5 to 8. In November there were five migraine attacks, with a pain score from 2 to 7. In December the number of migraine attacks was four, which is a reduction in frequency by more than 50% since the beginning of the training in September. The pain strength was from 3 to 5, which is also a reduction of more than 40% from September. The person learned to apply the vasoconstriction method when she was experiencing migraine, which reduced the strength of the pain. Also, breathing technique became normal training used daily. The efficacy of biofeedback is evident in the application of the method, for the reduction of a migraine as well as pain relief. Within 4 months of treatment, the person had fewer migraine attacks, and the pain was reduced to such extent that it did not require the use of analgesics. Our experience has shown that it is important to take a good initial assessment and know all relevant information of a migraine as well as to the person itself and to agree with the person on possible treatment goals as well as the incidence of arrivals. The emphasis is on the motivation of the person as well as encouraging motivation, which is always it happens as the frequency and strength of headaches are reduced.

**Author details**

**References**

Ivana Zivoder1,2\*, Sanja Martic-Biocina3

2 Mens Sana d.o.o., Zagreb, Croatia

s10194-010-0217-0

3 Psychiatric Clinic Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia

\*Address all correspondence to: ivana.zivoder@gmail.com

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1 Department of Nursing, University North, Varazdin, Croatia

and Ana Vodanovic Kosic<sup>2</sup>

Biofeedback and Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Migraine

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76534

17

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## **7. Conclusion**

Our case study has shown the good curative potential of biofeedback and neurofeedback treatments at a migraine. We confirmed earlier research results that different types of biofeedback methods could have some benefits to people with migraine. Also, we gave some our way of training. Combination of treatments (neurofeedback, breathing, and vascular training) in 25 sessions helped the female patient with a long history of a severe migraine. Further research of patients suffering from migraine with different treatment protocols is needed to establish the method. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to solving this problem is very important, and education, to both the general population and the patients, and the raising of health care to a higher level, with ongoing support for patients suffering from a migraine, are indispensable for the formation of a healthier society. Combination of pharmacologic and behavioral treatments such as relaxation training and cognitive behavior therapy can lead to faster and better results with people who suffer from migraine [43, 44]. Empirically validated behavioral treatments include biofeedback training; relaxation training, combinations of the two, stress management training, and cognitive behavioral therapy could be helpful for people with migraine headache. According to earlier research and our case, we could have recommended a different type of biofeedback methods such as temperature, vascular training, neurofeedback, HEG, and EMG biofeedback. The choice is depending on therapist and client with migraine. Migraines as a disease with many faces need the multidisciplinary and combined approach which provides the possibility of faster achievement of the goals of a therapist and a person with a migraine, which are a reduction pain and the number of migraines. By achieving these goals, we enable a person to have a good and quality life.
