Effects of Cold Band Application Treatment on Pain and Quality of Life in Migraineurs: A Self-Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of applying cold band treatment to migraineurs on the duration and severity of migraine headaches, and on migraine-specific life quality.Methods: Patients referred to neurology clinic and diagnosed with migraine by a neurologist were examined prospectively. A self-controlled research design was applied to minimize individual differences. The sample group participating in the study were monitored over the course of four migraine attacks: two before and two during application period.Results: Comparison of the mean values of pain duration for pre-application and application periods revealed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). However, there was found to be a significant difference between mean pain intensity total scores (p<0.05). At 30th and 60th- minute points, it was noted that the mean value of the total pain scores for the application period decreased significantly (p<0.05). Also, it was recognized that the 24-hour Migraine Quality of Life Scale showed statistically significant increase in total score and in subscale scores when compared to pre-application period (p=0.0001).Conclusions: The application of a cold band to forehead was found to have a positive effect in reducing pain severity and also improving quality of life.