Retrospective Study of the Efficacy of Biofeedback Therapy for Pediatric Persistent Posttraumatic Headache

Abstract

Background

Posttraumatic headache is common in pediatrics. Studies have examined treatment of postconcussion symptoms, but few target posttraumatic headache. Biofeedback therapy has been studied in children and teens with primary headaches, but not posttraumatic headache. Our goal was to examine the changes in posttraumatic headache associated with biofeedback therapy in pediatric patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 74 children aged 10-18 years who received biofeedback therapy for posttraumatic headache. “Positive response” to biofeedback therapy was defined as ≥50% reduction in headache days per week, or 3-point drop in pain rating between the first and last biofeedback therapy visits. Patient characteristics were analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors associated with response.

Results

In our cohort, 42% of all patients with posttraumatic headache had a positive response to biofeedback therapy. Thirty-six percent experienced ≥50% decrease in headache frequency, 13% had a ≥3-point decrease in headache severity and 8% reported both changes. For those with daily headaches, 36% had a positive response to biofeedback therapy. School absences, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or prescription preventive medication use were associated with nonresponse.

Conclusions

Biofeedback therapy is a reasonable treatment to consider to manage pediatric posttraumatic headache because more than 40% of our cohort had a beneficial response and biofeedback therapy has few adverse effects.