Abstract
Chronic migraine (1.5.1) is burdened with headache-related disability. During noxious stimulation, changes of cerebral blood flow enhance the release of oxygen free radicals that react with nitric oxide (NO). We investigated the role of biofeedback in limiting migraine disability by influencing oxidative stress. Peroxides, NO and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analysed in 20 female subjects with chronic migraine and in 20 female healthy controls before and after biofeedback sessions. NO(x) levels (23.7 +/- 4.2 vs. 34.9 +/- 4.6 microm; P < 0.05) and SOD activity (6.5 +/- 1.0 vs. 8.0 +/- 0.7 U/ml; P < 0.05) were lower in migraine sufferers before treatment than in healthy controls, whereas peroxide levels (145.8 +/- 40.3 vs. 78.0 +/- 20.0 microm; P < 0.05) were higher in migraine sufferers before treatment than in healthy controls. In migraine sufferers NO(x) levels (23.7 +/- 4.2 vs. 31.3 +/- 7.1 microm; P < 0.05) and SOD activity (6.5 +/- 1.0 vs. 7.9 +/- 0.9 U/ml; P < 0.05) were lower before than after treatment, whereas peroxide levels (145.8 +/- 40.3 vs. 82.4 +/- 21.1 microm; P < 0.05) were higher before than after treatment. SOD serum activity correlated positively with NO(x) serum levels and negatively with peroxide serum levels in healthy controls and in chronic migraine sufferers before and after biofeedback. The mean Migraine Disability Assessment Score before biofeedback sessions was higher than after treatment (36.9 +/- 13.9 vs. 18.8 +/- 10.4; P < 0.001). The effectiveness of biofeedback in limiting chronic migraine may be related to muscular relaxation associated with decreased oxidative stress accompanied by psychological well-being.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.