Mindfulness in migraine: A narrative review
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics January 14, 2020 Rebecca Erwin Wells, Elizabeth K. Seng, Robert R Edwards et al. 74 citations
Migraine is a leading cause of disability, and many patients cannot use or afford medications. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), offer a potential non-pharmacological treatment. Most research to date consists of small pilot trials with limited rigor, but initial evidence suggests improvements in headache-related disability and psychological well-being. Many questions remain about optimal dosage, duration, delivery, and which patients benefit most. Mindfulness will not cure migraine but may help patients engage in valued activities as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.