ROLE OF PARENT-MEDIATED PAIN BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN BIOFEEDBACK TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD MIGRAINES

This study explored the use of parent-mediated pain behavior managemen t strategies as an adjunct to the biofeedback treatment of children wi th migraine headaches. Twenty-seven children, ages 7 to 18, presenting with migraine headaches were randomly assigned to either a biofeedbac k treatment group or a biofeedback treatment group that included pain behavior management guidelines for parents. Both groups demonstrated s ignificant reductions in headache activity. The group receiving parent -mediated pain management guidelines, however, evidenced significantly greater reductions in headache frequency, were more Likely to experie nce clinically significant improvements, and were more likely to be he adache-free. In addition, the group that received parent-mediated pain management guidelines reported children who demonstrated better adapt ive functioning during treatment and at 3-month follow-up. The additio n of parent-mediated pain behavior management guidelines are supported as an important adjunct to the clinical management of migraine headac hes in children.