emerging medicine
By Rachel Farrell
In the Moment
New research investigates the effectiveness of mindfulnessbased cognitive therapy for migraine and headache sufferers .
FOR YEARS , migraine and headache patients have looked to alternative therapies , such as meditation , biofeedback and acupuncture , to help manage their condition . One newer therapy that is gaining traction in the headache community is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy ( MBCT ), a method of managing pain and negative feelings by focusing on the moment and accepting life ’ s challenges .
In a study being conducted at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa , researchers with grants from the National Headache Foundation and the Marchionne Foundation are investigating the effectiveness of MBCT for chronic headache pain . MBCT teaches people skills to manage pain so it doesn ’ t get in the way of everyday life , says Melissa Day , a senior graduate student and sub-investigator for the trial .
“ The program likely won ’ t remove your pain , but it will help you work with the pain and potentially remove the extra baggage you pile on top of it ,” she says . “ It helps one regain appreciation of the things that are often overshadowed by the all-encompassing identity of being a chronic headache pain patient .”
The interest in MBCT as it pertains to migraine and headache stems from a belief that “ living in the moment ” will be especially beneficial for headache patients .
“ Many headache patients are highly driven , detail-oriented individuals ,” says Beverly Thorn , PhD , principal investigator on the study . “ An approach that deliberately targets cultivating awareness and acceptance of the moment is a radical shift for such persons . We believe
This study is currently recruiting patients in the Birmingham and Tuscaloosa , Ala ., areas . They are seeking patients age 19 years or older who have suffered from migraine or headache pain for at least three days per month for the past three months . Participants must have no history of seizure or facial neuralgia , as these conditions might preclude the accurate diagnosis of headache . If you are on psychotropic or headache medications , you must have been using them for at least four weeks prior to treatment . Patients can continue to sign up for the study through March 2012 . If you are interested in participating , please contact Beverly E . Thorn , PhD , at ( 205 ) 348-5024 or bthorn @ as . ua . edu . You can also contact Melissa Day at ( 205 ) 348-5024 or day014 @ crimson . ua . edu .
14 HEAD WISE | Volume 1 , Issue 2 • 2011