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Biofeedback is a relaxation-based treatment method that research has found may reduce both symptoms and frequency of migraine attacks. Here’s how it works.

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Migraine is a neurological condition that can interfere with everyday life. It’s defined by intense headaches that may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, light sensitivity, and numbness.

There’s no cure for migraine, but the symptoms can be managed and treated when they occur. Depending on symptoms, migraine treatment can include:

Biofeedback is a type of treatment that uses noninvasive monitoring devices placed on the head to help improve bodily responses to stress and increase awareness of them.

Stress can have various effects on your body, and by learning how to better physically manage your stress, the effects of stress may sometimes be minimized.

Stress is a significant trigger of migraine attacks. By better managing stress, the frequency of migraine may be reduced. Biofeedback can also teach you how to relax your body under stress and may help reduce the severity of migraine attacks.

There are several studies citing the effectiveness of biofeedback for migraine. However, since every person is different, some people may have different responses to the treatment.

Biofeedback may have various benefits for people living with migraine. Not everyone will have the same results, so it’s important to remember that what may work for one person may not work for another. More research is needed on specific techniques of biofeedback and its effects on migraine.

A 2017 study found that biofeedback reduced the frequency and severity of migraine attacks when combined with breathing and vascular training and neurofeedback.

Biofeedback has been studied in children since the 1970s, and much of the evidence supports its use in children for migraine and headaches. Positive effects often remain stable throughout average follow-up periods of 15 months and longer.

There are different kinds of biofeedback. For migraine, two common types of biofeedback therapy include:

  • temperature training biofeedback
  • electromyography (EMG) biofeedback

In temperature training feedback, you first use an index finger temperature monitor at home for 4 weeks. The goal is to warm up your hands and increase blood flow to them, diverting it away from the head. You do this twice a day while repeating specific phrases designed to relax the body and encourage the hands to warm up.

During EMG feedback, electrodes are placed on your forehead and neck. These monitor muscle tension. As the muscles increase their tension, the monitor makes a noise or lights up.

The biofeedback therapist then leads you to mental exercises or relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation. This helps lower blood pressure and manage stress.

By observing what works for your tension, you can learn to help your body relax when it’s triggered by stress.

Biofeedback is considered a noninvasive procedure with no known side effects or complications. However, if you have specific mental or physical health issues or concerns, check with your doctor before starting biofeedback.

That being said, it’s important to find someone who’s qualified to perform biofeedback and trained in the technique. You can do this by looking at the website of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback.

No treatment is perfect, including biofeedback. However, limitations don’t necessarily mean the treatment is not effective.

Since biofeedback usually helps produce good feelings, the symptoms of migraine may be relieved without addressing any underlying cause. If you live with migraine, talk with a doctor to rule out any underlying causes.

People with cognitive impairment may not understand all of biofeedback’s steps or how it works, rendering it less effective. This means it may not be an inclusive treatment.

Biofeedback can be expensive and time consuming, which is not conducive to everyone’s lifestyle.

The cost of biofeedback therapy can vary by provider and their experience. Typically, it ranges from about $35 to $300 per session before insurance, but this may vary by region. Additionally, the first session is often more expensive than follow-up sessions.

Some insurance companies cover biofeedback, but others don’t because they consider it experimental. Sometimes, certain criteria must be met before insurance companies will cover it.

Before you make an appointment, call your insurance company to find out if it covers biofeedback, if there are any specific criteria for coverage, and what the coverage conditions are. This information can give you a better idea of the costs of treatment.

If your insurance doesn’t cover the treatment, you may want to call training centers or programs near you and ask if they have reduced fees (or even free sessions) for students who need training hours.

Biofeedback therapy is usually given in a therapist’s office by a trained professional. Although there are biofeedback machines for home use, it’s not recommended to use these if you’re not trained.

While biofeedback is one relaxation-based treatment for migraine, it’s not the only treatment of its kind. Other treatments rooted in relaxation techniques have also been shown to be effective.

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a form of relaxation technique that uses tightening and relaxation of muscle groups, one at a time.

The goal is to eliminate tension while, at the same time, showing you what tension feels like so that you can learn to manage it and relax when you feel it. It has been shown to be effective in helping to relieve migraine pain.

Breathing techniques

Stress can cause migraine episodes, and managing stress is important. Slow, deep breathing has been shown to help reduce stress. You can do this by inhaling for 4 seconds and exhaling slowly for 4 seconds. Repeat this for at least 1 minute.

Lavender oil

Essential oils can sometimes have beneficial properties. Lavender oil has long been known to have relaxation properties. A 2023 review found that inhaling the scent of lavender oil helped reduce migraine symptoms.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

While there’s no cure for migraine, biofeedback has shown promise in reducing both the frequency and severity of migraine. This, combined with medication and other behavioral techniques, has been effective for many people.

Speak with your doctor about whether biofeedback is appropriate for your situation.