Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Miniscalpel-Needle Treatment for Tension-Type Headache: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of miniscalpel-needle (MSN) treatment for tension-type headache (TTH). METHOD: Seven medical databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect and safety of MSN treatment. All articles published up to November 15, 2018 were retrieved. A meta-analysis was conducted for the included studies, and the risk of bias was assessed. Primary outcomes were visual analogue scale (VAS) or numeric rating scale (NRS) score. Secondary outcomes were clinical effective rates including total effective rate (TER), markedly effective rate (MER), and totally cured rate (TCR) determined by improvement in clinical symptoms or VAS scores, the frequency of adverse events (AEs) that occurred during the study, and participant quality of life (QOL). RESULTS: Seven RCTs involving 724 participants were included. MSN treatment showed significantly higher MER and TCR [relative risk (RR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.61; RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.57, respectively], but not TER (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.10) compared to acupuncture. MSN treatment plus conventional treatment showed significant lower VAS and higher TER, MER, and TCR (mean difference -3.54, 95% CI -3.80 to -3.28; RR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.23; RR 2.31, 95% CI 1.50 to 3.58; RR 3.01, 95% CI 2.25 to 4.02, respectively) compared to conventional treatment. CONCLUSIONS: According to current evidence, MSN treatment as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment to other existing treatments might have benefits on treating TTH. However, since the number and the sample size of studies included were both small and the methodological quality was poor, the findings of this review should be interpreted with great caution, and our confidence in the results is low. A high quality RCT using objective outcomes should be performed on this topic.

Prevalence and burden of headache in children and adolescents in Austria - a nationwide study in a representative sample of pupils aged 10-18 years.

BACKGROUND: Headache disorders are highly prevalent worldwide, but not so well investigated in children and adolescents as in adults: few studies have included representative nationwide samples. No data exist for Austria until now. In a representative sample of children and adolescents in Austria, we estimated the prevalence and attributable burden of headache disorders, including the new diagnostic category of "undifferentiated headache" (UdH) defined as mild headache lasting less than 1 hour. METHODS: Within the context of a broader national mental health survey, children and adolescents aged 10-18 years were recruited from purposively selected schools. Mediated self-completed questionnaires included sociodemographic enquiry (gender, age, socioeconomic status, family constellation, residence [urban or rural] and migration background). Prevalence and attributable burden of all headache, UdH, migraine (definite plus probable), tension-type headache (TTH: definite plus probable) and headache on ≥15 days/month (H15+) were assessed using the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire for children and adolescents. Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) was assessed using the KIDSCREEN questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 7643 selected pupils, 3386 (44.3%) completed the questionnaires. The 1-year prevalence of headache was 75.7%, increasing with age and higher in girls (82.1%) than in boys (67.7%; p < 0.001). UdH, migraine, TTH and H15+ were reported by 26.1%, 24.2%, 21.6% and 3.0% of participants. Attributable burden was high, with 42% of those with headache experiencing restrictions in daily activities. Medication use (50% overall) was highest in H15+ (67%) and still considerable in UdH (29%). HrQoL was reduced for all headache types except UdH. Participants in single parent or patchwork families had a higher probability of migraine (respectively, OR 1.5, p < 0.001; OR 1.5, p < 0.01). Participants with a migration background had a lower probability of TTH (OR 0.7, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Headache disorders are both very common and highly burdensome in children and adolescents in Austria. This study contributes to the global atlas of headache disorders in these age groups, and corroborates and adds knowledge of the new yet common and important diagnostic category of UdH. The findings call for action in national and international health policies, and for further epidemiological research.

The best from East and West? Acupuncture and medical training therapy as monotherapies or in combination for adult patients with episodic and chronic tension-type headache: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a complex health intervention, based on the combination of conventional Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in an outpatient department of a university hospital for patients with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a prospective randomized controlled pilot study with four balanced treatment arms (usual care, acupuncture, training, and training plus acupuncture). Each arm will have 24 patients. After the initial screening examination and randomization, a 6-week treatment period follows, with treatment frequencies decreasing at 2-week intervals. After completion of the intervention, two follow-up evaluations will be performed 3 and 6 months after the start of treatment. At predefined times, the various outcomes (pain intensity, health-related quality of life, pain duration, autonomic regulation, and heart rate variability) as well as the participants' acceptance of the complex treatment will be evaluated with valid assessment instruments (Migraine Disability Assessment, PHQ-D, GAD-7, and SF-12) and a headache diary. The acupuncture treatment will be based on the rules of TCM, comprising a standardized combination of acupuncture points and additional points selected according to individual pain localization. The training therapy comprises a combination of strength training, endurance training, and training to improve flexibility and coordination. Besides descriptive analyses of the samples, their comparability will be assessed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) or chi-squared tests. Analyses will be performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Potential interaction effects will be calculated using a repeated-measures ANOVA to test the primary and secondary hypotheses. In supplementary analyses, the proportion of treatment responders (those with a 50% reduction in the frequency of pain episodes) will be determined for each treatment arm. DISCUSSION: This trial may provide evidence for the additive effects of acupuncture and medical training therapy as a combination treatment and may scientifically support the implementation of this complex health intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on 11 Feburary 2019. German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00016723.

[Pilot Study of the Feasibility of a Short Biofeedback Treatment of Chronic Headache in the Outpatient Care System]. / Pilotstudie zur Durchführbarkeit einer Biofeedbackkompaktbehandlung bei chronifizierten Kopfschmerzen in der ambulanten Versorgung.

Introduction: Although biofeedback has been shown to be an effective treatment of tension-type headache and migraine, it has not been well implemented in the outpatient care system yet. Central aims of this randomized controlled pilot study were to examine the feasibility and implementation of a short biofeedback treatment of chronic headache in the outpatient care system, to estimate standardized effect sizes for treatment outcome, and to investigate the influence of expectancies on treatment outcomes. Methods: In this pilot study, the patients (N=18) were diagnosed according to the criteria defined by the International Headache Society and randomized afterwards. Patients received 8-11 sessions of biofeedback (depending on the indication: Electromyography biofeedback, Vasoconstriction-/Vasodilatation training or a combination of both). Outcome assessments took place before and after the biofeedback treatment via questionnaires. Hedges' g was computed based on change scores of treatment expectancies, session performance (patients and therapists), headache-specific self-efficacy (Headache Management Self-efficacy Scale-Short form), headache-related variables (Pain Disability Index, German Pain Coping Questionnaire) and comorbid strain (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Pearson-correlations were calculated for the relations of change scores. Results: Effect sizes for most of the assessed expectancies and coping were high (g=0.94-1.45). Improvements in the willingness to practice and disability in everyday life were moderate (g=0.40-0.51). The correlations between patients' expectancies and disability or coping were medium (r=- 0,42 - 0.41). Results showed a moderate negative correlation between the patient-rated session performance and depression (r=-0.33). Discussion and Conclusion: The short biofeedback treatment showed a good feasibility and implementation in the outpatient care system, with pilot results indicating effectiveness. The documented associations between patient-rated and therapist-rated expectancies and the treatment outcome emphasize the importance of the assessment of expectancies.

Do manual therapy techniques have a positive effect on quality of life in people with tension-type headache? A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the effectiveness of manual therapy for the relief of tension-type headache (TTH). However most studies have addressed the impact of therapy on the frequency and intensity of pain. No studies have evaluated the potentially significant effect on the patient's quality of life. AIM: To assess the quality of life of patients suffering from TTH treated for 4 weeks with different manual therapy techniques. DESIGN: Factorial, randomized, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Specialized center for the treatment of headache. POPULATION: Seventy-six (62 women) patients aged between 18 and 65 years (age: 39.9±10.9) with either episodic or chronic TTH. METHODS: Patients were divided into four groups: suboccipital inhibitory pressure; suboccipital spinal manipulation; a combination of the two treatments; control. Quality of life was assessed using the SF-12 questionnaire (considering both the overall score and the different dimensions) at the beginning and end of treatment, and after a one month follow-up. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, the suboccipital inhibition treatment group showed a significant improvement in their overall quality of life at the one month follow-up and also showed specific improvement in the dimensions related to moderate physical activities, and in their emotional role. All the treatment groups, but not the control group, showed improvements in their physical role, bodily pain, and social functioning at the one month follow-up. Post treatment and at the one month follow-up, the combined treatment group showed improved vitality and the two treatment groups that involved manipulation showed improved mental health. CONCLUSIONS: All three treatments were effective at changing different dimensions of quality of life, but the combined treatment showed the most change. The results support the effectiveness of treatments applied to the suboccipital region for patients with TTH. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Manual therapy techniques applied to the suboccipital region, for as little as four weeks, offered a positive improvement in some aspects of quality of life of patient's suffering with TTH.

Brief mindfulness-based therapy for chronic tension-type headache: a randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) has been demonstrated to be effective for reducing chronic pain symptoms; however, the use of MBT for Chronic Tension-Type Headache (CTH) exclusively has to date not been examined. Typically, MBT for chronic pain has involved an 8-week program based on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Recent research suggests briefer mindfulness-based treatments may be effective for chronic pain. AIMS: To conduct a pilot study into the efficacy of brief MBT for CTH. METHOD: We conducted a randomized controlled trial of a brief (6-session, 3-week) MBT for CTH. RESULTS: Results indicated a significant decrease in headache frequency and an increase in the mindfulness facet of Observe in the treatment but not wait-list control group. CONCLUSION: Brief MBT may be an effective intervention for CTH.

Efficacy of local lidocaine application on anxiety and depression and its curative effect on patients with chronic tension-type headache.

BACKGROUND: Tension-type headache (TTH) is a primary headache disorder. In this study, the efficacy of local lidocaine application on anxiety and depression and its curative effect in patients with chronic TTH was investigated. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (24 local lidocaine injection, 24 local saline injection group) with chronic TTH were enrolled in our study. Injections were applied to the trigger points of the muscles that are innervated by C1-C3 and the trigeminal nerve, exit points of the fifth cranial nerve, and around the superior cervical ganglion. Each patient underwent one session every 3 days. Patients were evaluated before and 3 months after the treatment. RESULTS: In both groups, the number of painful days in a month, visual analogue scale values, amount of analgesic use in a month, Hamilton depression score, and Hamilton anxiety score decreased after the treatment. As a result, all of the parameters were found to have improved in both groups (p < 0.05), the results were statistically significant, and the lidocaine group's response to the treatment was better than the placebo group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that local lidocaine administration can be an effective method in the treatment of chronic TTH.

Effect of the emotional freedom technique on perceived stress, quality of life, and cortisol salivary levels in tension-type headache sufferers: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term effects of the emotional freedom technique (EFT) on tension-type headache (TTH) sufferers. DESIGN: We used a parallel-group design, with participants randomly assigned to the emotional freedom intervention (n = 19) or a control arm (standard care n = 16). SETTING: The study was conducted at the outpatient Headache Clinic at the Korgialenio Benakio Hospital of Athens. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-five patients meeting criteria for frequent TTH according to International Headache Society guidelines were enrolled. INTERVENTION: Participants were instructed to use the EFT method twice a day for two months. OUTCOME MEASURES: Study measures included the Perceived Stress Scale, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and the Short-Form questionnaire-36. Salivary cortisol levels and the frequency and intensity of headache episodes were also assessed. RESULTS: Within the treatment arm, perceived stress, scores for all Short-Form questionnaire-36 subscales, and the frequency and intensity of the headache episodes were all significantly reduced. No differences in cortisol levels were found in any group before and after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: EFT was reported to benefit patients with TTH. This randomized controlled trial shows promising results for not only the frequency and severity of headaches but also other lifestyle parameters.

Psychological issues in the evaluation and treatment of tension-type headache.

Tension-type headache is the most common headache disorder, affecting approximately 40 % of Americans within a one-year span. Although the most common form, episodic tension-type headache, is rarely impairing, more frequent tension-type headache can occur with significant disability and psychological comorbidity. Appreciating the psychological impact, assessing the associated biopsychosocial issues, and understanding patients' coping styles are important in forming an appropriate treatment plan and maximizing treatment outcomes. A range of psychological therapies including relaxation training, cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback and mindfulness have demonstrated utility in treating chronic pain conditions and reducing the associated disability. This may be particularly applicable to special populations, including pediatric patients, pregnant patients and geriatric. Psychological assessment and treatment may be done conjointly with medication management and expands treatment options. There is great need to continue researching the effects of psychological treatments, standardizing interventions and making them available to the wider population.

Complementary and alternative approaches to the treatment of tension-type headache.

While pharmacotherapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and tricyclic antidepressants comprises the traditional treatment of tension-type headaches (TTH), the use of other therapeutic approaches in combination with medications can increase the success of treatment. Patients with comorbid mood disorders and frequent headaches may particularly benefit from some nonpharmacologic approaches. This review focuses on complementary and alternative approaches to tension-type headache treatment, including psychological therapies, acupuncture, and physical treatments. The current evidence indicates that EMG biofeedback (BFB) is effective in the treatment of TTH, and cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation training may also be beneficial. Physical therapy and acupuncture may be considered in patients with frequent TTH, but the scientific basis is limited.

Outcomes of a headache-specific cross-sectional multidisciplinary treatment program.

AIM: Chronic headache is a disabling disorder that is frequently poorly managed in general clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: To investigate primary (headache frequency in days/month) and secondary (headache-related disability, lost work/school time, anxiety and depression, amount and intake frequency of acute medication) 12-month outcomes of a headache-specific cross-sectional outpatient and inpatient multidisciplinary treatment program using a dedicated computer system for data collection and corresponding between integrated care team in a tertiary headache center and practicing headache specialists. BACKGROUND: A need for integrated headache care using comprehensive and standardized assessment for diagnosis of headache, psychiatric comorbidity, and burden of disease exists. There are little published data on long-term efficacy of multidisciplinary treatment programs for chronic headache. DESIGN: A prospective, observational, 12-month, follow-up study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Prospectively recruited consecutive patients with frequent difficult-to-treat headaches (n = 201; 63 migraine, 11 tension-type headache, 59 combined migraine/tension-type headache, and 68 medication overuse headache) were enrolled. Outcome measures included prospective headache diaries, a medication survey, Migraine Disability Assessment, 12-item short form health survey, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: The primary outcome of a reduction of ≥50% of headache frequency (days/month) was observed in 62.7%. Mean headache frequency decreased from 14.4 ± 8.2 to 7.6 ± 8.3 days/month, P < .0001. Secondary outcomes improved significantly in the total cohort and all headache subgroups. Predictors for good outcome were younger age, few days lost at work/school, and familiarity with progressive muscle relaxation therapy at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The present analysis provided support for a cross-sectional multidisciplinary integrated headache-care program.

A randomized control trial: the effect of guided imagery with tape and perceived happy memory on chronic tension type headache.

PURPOSE: To determine the effects of guided imagery techniques with tape and perceived happy memory on people with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). METHODS: Sixty people with CTTH completed the demographic questionnaire and headache diary 1 week before the treatment, that is, for 3 weeks during the treatment and 1 week immediately after that. The people were randomly assigned into one of three different treatment groups: a Guided imagery (GI) with tape group (n = 20), a GI with perceived happy memory group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20). In addition to individualized headache therapy, subjects listened to a guided imagery audiocassette tape or imagined the happiest personal memory three times per week for 3 weeks. It should be noted that 20 control subjects received individualized therapy without guided imagery. RESULTS: The guided imagery groups both tape and perceived happy memory had significantly more improvement than the controls in three of the outcome measures; headache intensity, headache frequency and headache duration. There were no other significant differences between the guided imagery groups (tape and perceived happy memory) at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: Guided imagery is an effective, available and affordable nonpharmacological therapy either with tape or with perceived happy memory for the management of the CTTH.

Hypnotic relaxation vs amitriptyline for tension-type headache: let the patient choose.

BACKGROUND: Although both pharmacological and behavioral interventions may relieve tension-type headache, data are lacking regarding treatment preference, long-term patient compliance, and feasibility of behavioral intervention in a standard neurological outpatient clinic setting. OBJECTIVE: To describe patient choice, long-term compliance, and clinical outcome in a neurological clinic setting where patients are given the choice of the approach they wish to pursue. DESIGN: Patients presenting to the headache clinic with a diagnosis of tension-type headache that justified prophylactic therapy (frequent episodic tension-type headache or chronic tension-type headache) were given the choice of amitriptyline (AMT) treatment or hypnotic relaxation (HR), and were treated accordingly. Patients were given the option to cross-over to the other treatment group at each visit. HR was performed during standard length neurology clinic appointments by a neurologist trained to perform hypnosis (Y.E.). Follow-up interviews were performed between 6 and 12 months following treatment initiation to evaluate patient compliance, changes in headache frequency or severity, and quality-of-life parameters. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled, 92 agreed to receive prophylactic therapy of some kind. Fifty-three (57.6%) patients chose HR of which 36 (67.9%) actually initiated this treatment, while 39 (42.4%) chose pharmacological therapy with AMT of which 25 (64.1%) patients actually initiated therapy. Patients with greater analgesic use were more likely to opt for AMT (P= .0002). Eleven of the patients initially choosing AMT and 2 of the patients initially choosing HR crossed over to the other group. Seventy-four percent of the patients in the HR group and 58% of patients in the AMT group had a 50% reduction in the frequency of headaches (P= .16). Long-term adherence to treatment with HR exceeded that of AMT. At the end of the study period, 26 of 47 patients who tried HR compared with 10 of 27 who tried AMT continued receiving their initial treatment. CONCLUSIONS: HR treatment was a more popular choice among patients. Patients choosing HR reported greater symptom relief than those choosing AMT and were found to have greater treatment compliance. Patients receiving HR were less likely to change treatments. HR practiced by a neurologist is feasible in a standard neurological outpatient clinic setting; HR training should be considered for neurologists involved in headache treatment.

Pain perception studies in tension-type headache.

Tension-type headache (TTH) is a disorder with high prevalence and significant impact on society. Understanding of pathophysiology of TTH is paramount for development of effective treatments and prevention of chronification of TTH. Our aim was to review the findings from pain perception studies of pathophysiology of TTH as well as to review the research of pathophysiology of TTH. Pain perception studies such as measurement of muscle tenderness, pain detection thresholds, pain tolerance thresholds, pain response to suprathreshold stimulation, temporal summation and diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC) have played a central role in elucidating the pathophysiology of TTH. It has been demonstrated that continuous nociceptive input from peripheral myofascial structures may induce central sensitization and thereby chronification of the headache. Measurements of pain tolerance thresholds and suprathreshold stimulation have shown presence of generalized hyperalgesia in chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) patients, while DNIC function has been shown to be reduced in CTTH. One imaging study showed loss of gray matter structures involved in pain processing in CTTH patients. Future studies should aim to integrate pain perception and imaging to confirm this finding. Pharmacological studies have shown that drugs like tricyclic anti-depressant amitriptyline and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors can reverse central sensitization and the chronicity of headache. Finally, low frequency electrical stimulation has been shown to rapidly reverse central sensitization and may be a new modality in treatment of CTTH and other chronic pain disorders.

A randomized controlled trial of Internet-based self-help training for recurrent headache in childhood and adolescence.

Two different self-help training programs (multimodal cognitive-behavioral training (CBT) and applied relaxation (AR)) presented via the Internet were compared with an educational intervention (EDU) in an RCT. Sixty-five children and adolescents (mean age: 12.7 years) with recurrent headache (at least 2 attacks per month) were each assigned to one of the three treatment conditions. The main outcome variables related to changes in headache frequency, intensity and duration as well as the responder rate (50% reduction of headache frequency) and NNTs. Secondary outcome variables were pain catastrophizing and general well-being (depression, psychopathological symptoms and health-related quality of life). All groups showed significant reduction in headache frequency, duration and pain catastrophizing, but not in headache intensity, depression, psychopathological symptoms or health-related quality of life at post-assessment. NNTs were 2.0 for the comparison CBT and EDU; 5.2 for the comparison of AR and EDU at post-treatment. The highest responder rates at post were from CBT (63%), significantly different compared to AR (32%) and EDU (19%), whereas at follow-up no significant differences were found (CBT: 63%, AR: 56%, EDU: 55%) reflecting in the NNTs. The effects remain stable in headache frequency, pain catastrophizing and psychopathological symptoms across all groups at follow-up assessment. CBT showed the highest within-effect size in headache frequency, duration and pain catastrophizing. The results support the use of Internet programs for pediatric recurrent headache, especially given their accessibility and suitability for children and adolescents. Further studies are needed to improve their quality and efficacy.

Efficacy of biofeedback in the treatment of migraine and tension type headaches.

BACKGROUND: Biofeedback is an established non-pharmacologic technique commonly used in the treatment of migraine and tension type headaches. Multiple published studies have suggested that biofeedback is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of headaches, often allowing patients to decrease their dependence on medication. Studies have also suggested that biofeedback may effect a decrease in medical utilization. OBJECTIVE: Assess the efficacy of biofeedback in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine and tension type headaches. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, single blind, single center controlled trial. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with migraine with or without aura and/or tension type headaches, by ICHD-1 criteria, age 18 to 55, who had suffered from headaches for more than one year, were entered into the study. Patients were randomly assigned to receive biofeedback in addition to the basic relaxation instruction or relaxation techniques alone. All patients received instruction in pain theory. Biofeedback training consisted of 10 50-minute sessions utilizing standard EMG feedback from the frontalis and trapezius muscles and temperature from the third finger of the dominant hand. Visual and auditory feedback was provided. Thirty-three patients were assigned to receive biofeedback plus the relaxation techniques and 31, the relaxation techniques alone. All patients were asked to respond to periodic questionnaires for 36 months. The primary analysis was an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. The subsidiary analyses were not and the 11 subjects (7 in the relaxation alone and 4 in the biofeedback group) who received no treatment at all were analyzed and the results were qualitatively the same. RESULTS: Patients who completed the program with education in pain theory and relaxation techniques showed a statistically significant decrease in the frequency and severity of the headaches in the first 12 months that continued to 36 months. Biofeedback provided no additional benefit, specifically no change in the frequency or severity of the headaches. After 3 months 48% of those in the relaxation group reported fewer severe headaches, while 35% of those in the biofeedback group reported fewer severe headaches; after 6 months, 52% of those in the relaxation group reported fewer severe headaches as compared with 57% reporting fewer severe headaches in the biofeedback group. The number of medications used by the patients and the utilization of medical care decreased in both groups over 36 months suggesting a regression to the mean. LIMITATIONS: Compliance was an issue throughout the study. Patients dropped out from the outset and that increased over time. Recovery of questionnaires was difficult and fewer were completed at each 3-month interval. Lack of a large control group who did not receive biofeedback or instruction in relaxation techniques. CONCLUSION: Biofeedback is an extremely costly and time-consuming treatment modality that, in our study, provided no additional benefit when compared to simple relaxation techniques alone, in the treatment of migraine and tension type headaches in adults.

Psychological assessment and biofeedback mitigation of tension-type headaches in children.

(Full text is available at http://www.manu.edu.mk/prilozi). The research concerned a group of 59 children, 22 girls and 37 boys, mean age 12.5 +/- 1.24 years, with tension type headaches. Their clinical results (neurological, neuropsychological, radiological and laboratory) were normal, suggesting psychosomatic etiology. The characteristics of the headache correspond to a nosologic entity known as tension-type headache. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological characteristics of these children and their families, especially the profile of the mothers. The psychological assessment, consecutively applied, comprised: Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Emotions Profile Index (EPI), General Anxiety State (GAS) and Human Values Rank (HVR). The mothers were examined by Family Inventory Life Events (FILE) and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and also checked with the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL). The results obtained showed a non-negligible level of actual anxiety in all the children, who were mostly the first-born and lived in families with accentuated stress. The emotional profile of the children was characterized by impulsiveness, a feeling of fear, moderate aggression, but still with a great level of acceptability. The EPQ confirmed their extroversion, moderate neurotic manifestations and a need for social acceptance. These results suggest that in preadolescents emotional stress, combined with a "model" for somatization, could provoke specific involuntary contraction of the head and neck muscles causing local ischaemia, which may be the pathophysiologic cause of a tension-type headache. The therapy comprised EDR and EMG biofeedback, applied once per week, of 50-minute duration. The results obtained after 20 sessions are very satisfactory. In addition, some response-measures involving a change and adjustment of family relations and school environment are recommended. Key words: headache, children, biofeedback, psychophysiology.