No abstract

An understanding of the relationship between migraine and the vestibular system increases knowledge of the pathogenesis of both migraine and vertigo. In addition, studies have identified successful treatment, with standard migraine therapies, of vestibular symptoms in patients with both migraine and vertigo. The use of a standardized assessment tool to identify this unique population of patients will help future studies to test both the pathological model and effective treatment options.

No abstract

The frequency of common headache instigators or "triggers" and the use of specific behavioral responses to headache episodes were determined using the self-reports of patients with migraine, tension-type, and combined migraine and tension-type headache. Headache diagnostic groups were compared on the nature of headache triggers identified. The diagnostic groups were also compared on the frequency with which they engaged in a set of behavioral responses during headache episodes. No diagnostic group differences were found in triggering stimuli. Emotional, dietary, physical, environmental, and hormonal factors were all reported to be equally likely to precipitate a headache episode regardless of headache diagnosis. There were, however, differences in specific behavioral responses to headache episodes depending upon headache diagnosis. Discriminant analyses were performed to determine the best predictors of headache diagnoses. Migraine patients were significantly more likely to avoid noise, light, social activity, and physical activity compared with tension-type and combined headache patients. When average headache severity was taken into account, the diagnostic group differences in coping responses disappeared. It is concluded from the results of this study that headache severity has a greater impact on coping response than does specific headache diagnosis.

The results of this study confirm the findings of earlier pediatric migraine biofeedback treatment studies and also provide support for the specific effect of treatments including stress management and HWB. Future studies with larger sample sizes will aid in delineating the appropriateness of HCB as a control treatment.