Biofeedback, relaxation techniques and attitudinal changes in adolescents with migraines.

From 3.2% to 9% of school-age children suffer from migraine headaches. Many physicians are concerned that pharmacological treatment of migraines can have undesirable side-effects, as well as lead to drug dependence in adolescents. A number of review articles have shown that biofeedback, behaviour modification and relaxation exercises can significantly help migraine sufferers. This article describes a feasibility study undertaken at a West Toronto high school to see if non-pharmacological treatment of migraines was effective.