Mindfulness in migraine: A narrative review
Rebecca Erwin Wells, Elizabeth K. Seng, Robert R Edwards, David Victorson, Charles R. Pierce, Lauren Rosenberg, Vitaly Napadow, Zev Schuman-Olivier
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics January 14, 2020 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1715212 (opens in new tab) via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractMigraine 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.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Mindfulness-based stress reduction Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Psychotherapist Psychological intervention Clinical psychology Migraine treatment |
| Citations | 74 |
| Key finding | Initial evidence suggests mindfulness-based interventions may improve headache-related disability and psychological well-being in migraine patients, though most studies are small pilot trials. |
Abstract
Introduction: Migraine is the second leading cause of disability worldwide, yet many patients are unable to tolerate, benefit from, or afford pharmacological treatment options. Non-pharmacological migraine therapies exist, especially to reduce opioid use, which represents a significant unmet need. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) have potential as a non-pharmacological treatment for migraine, primarily through the development of flexible attentional capacity across sensory, cognitive, and emotional experiences.Areas covered: The authors review efficacy and potential mechanisms of MBIs for migraine, including mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).Expert opinion: While most mindfulness research studies for migraine to date have been pilot trials, which are small and/or lacked rigor, initial evidence suggests there may be improvements in overall headache-related disability and psychological well-being. Many research questions remain to help target the treatment to patients most likely to benefit, including the ideal dosage, duration, delivery method, responder characteristics, and potential mechanisms and biomarkers. A realistic understanding of these factors is important for patients, providers, and the media. Mindfulness will not ‘cure’ migraine; however, mindfulness may be an important tool as part of a comprehensive treatment approach to help patients ‘mindfully’ engage in valued life activities.