Still Searching: A Better Biofeedback Device
Biofeedback has been an excellent non-drug option for many people with migraine for a long time. It involves training you to control some responses of your body. Not only a migraine and headache treatment, it’s also used for mental health, relaxation, chronic pain, and incontinence.
Biofeedback has long been available in doctor’s offices. And yes, there are some home use devices available. But what we want is a device specifically studied for migraine.
There are at least a couple of newer devices that are designed to be used daily, in part to reduce migraine attacks. Meo is a device available through your doctor, and though not tested specifically for migraine, it is supposed to help with pain conditions. You can read about Meo here.
In Norway, a device has been studied for migraine and is awaiting final approval. Cerebri is a biofeedback device already available in Norway.
Here’s what they have to say about the possibilities for migraine treatment:
Cerebri is a preventive migraine therapy based on biofeedback. Biofeedback involves measuring bodily parameters, which individuals observe and then learn to influence as part of relaxation therapy. It helps patients monitor and control their stress level in the body. . . . Cerebri utilizes two wireless sensors and a smartphone application to help patients receive biofeedback therapy. The therapy is a self-assisted solution to be used at home for 10 minutes per day for at least 12 weeks. . . . The app guides you through the session, and gives instructions on how to breathe and how to reach a biofeedback goal.
Nordic Brain Tech
You can read more about the trials and their results on the official site.
A safe, non-drug option is not only useful to those who haven’t found a good option in medications, but also for those who have fewer options, such as pregnant women and children and teens. This would seem to be a priority to develop, even if it’s only a supplement for other treatments.
Here’s hoping that more of these devices will be available soon!