BrainCore Neurofeedback Therapy for Migraine Relief

Migraines are a complex neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. A type of headache that can cause severe throbbing or pulsing in one area of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. They can last for hours or even days and can be debilitating for those who suffer from them. While there are various medications and treatments available for migraines, one that has shown promise in recent years is neurofeedback therapy for migraine relief.

What is Neurofeedback Therapy?

Neurofeedback Therapy is a form of Neurotherapy that uses EEG biofeedback to help individuals obtain migraine relief. It is a non-invasive, drug-free method that involves using sensors to measure brain activity and provide feedback to the patient in the form of visual or auditory cues.

Neurofeedback therapy can be used in combination with traditional treatments such as medications or lifestyle changes to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. This type of therapy has been found to be effective in helping people achieve long-term migraine relief, as well as improving mood and sleep quality. The goal is to help the patient learn to regulate their own brain waves and, in turn, improve their symptoms.

How Does Neurofeedback Therapy Work for Migraines?

The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are thought to be related to changes in brain activity. The onset of a migraine can be triggered by the environment, hormonal changes, certain foods and beverages, stress, and other psychological factors. Neurofeedback therapy aims to address these changes in brain activity and improve symptoms by helping patients learn to control their brain waves.

In our office, we utilize the BrainCore Therapy system, a proprietary neurofeedback software that presents audio and visual feedback in the form of movies, music videos, puzzles, or games instead of the typical graph presentation. We find our patients are more able to adapt to familiar activities which in turn helps them to reap the benefits of the therapy that much sooner.
BrainCore Therapy like all neurofeedback is painless and non-invasive. During the initial brain mapping process (QEEG) a cap is placed on the patient’s head to record their brainwave patterns, identify dysregulation, and establish a baseline for determining a therapeutic treatment protocol.

During the therapeutic sessions, just a few electrodes are placed on the patient’s head to facilitate brainwave activity monitoring and feedback. No needles or sticky residue. You’ll sit in a comfy chair and be able to relax during each session.
The patient is then presented with a visual or auditory stimulus, such as a game or music, that is directly linked to their brain activity. As the patient’s brain waves change, the stimulus will change in response. For example, if the patient’s brain waves become more relaxed, the music volume will increase, making the sound easier to hear.

The goal is for the patient to learn to control their brain waves and regulate their own brain activity so they may continue to repeat this skill in the same manner and control their migraine symptoms. This is done through repeated sessions, during which the patient is given feedback and learns to associate certain brain activity with specific stimuli. Our brains are powerful, and we can leverage this to relieve the symptoms of many neurological disorders.

How Effective is Neurofeedback Therapy for Migraines?

Neurofeedback therapy has been found to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines. One study found that neurofeedback therapy was more effective than a placebo in reducing the frequency of migraines in patients who had at least three migraines per month. Another study found that neurofeedback therapy was safe and effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.

If you are interested in learning more about BrainCore Therapy for your migraines, Dr. Will offers a free consultation to answer any questions you may have and to help determine if it’s the right choice for you. Call our office at (845) 592-2237 to get started.