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Non-pharmacologic and Mindful-Based Approaches for Pediatric Headache Disorders: a Review

  • Psychological and Behavioral Aspects of Headache and Pain (D Buse, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pain and Headache Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Headache disorders in children and adolescents are common. Among the different headache disorders, migraine and tension headache are highly prevalent and often debilitating. Pharmacological treatments for pediatric patients are often not approved or effective. Practice guidelines for prevention of pediatric headache and migraine are now incorporating information and recommendations regarding non-pharmacologic therapeutic options. Understanding the mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy of the non-pharmacologic as well as mindful-based therapeutic alternatives currently available for the management and treatment of headache and migraine may allow additional treatment alternatives for children with these conditions.

Recent Findings

Studies have been published looking at non-pharmacologic treatments, and mindful-based approaches, namely relaxation, mindfulness meditation, yoga, and hypnosis as options for the treatment of headache and migraine, although there are few that examine these in children and adolescents. Several recent studies that have relevance to the care of children with headache and migraine are reviewed.

Summary

Non-pharmacologic and mindful-based approaches for the prevention and treatment of headache and migraine in children show safety and efficacy data that is promising. Consider incorporating these multi-modal approaches into the therapeutic management strategies for the child or adolescent with headache and migraine. Additional prospective studies and/or randomized-controlled trials are necessary to further assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of these methods.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Bldg. B, Phoenix, 85016 AZ, USA

    Reena Gogia Rastogi, Eric V. Hastriter, Carolyn Hickman, Kavitha T. Karnik, Kara Stuart Lewis & Robert D. Little

  2. Department of Psychology, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, USA

    Tava L. Arnold

  3. Department of Neurology, Institute for Brain Protection Sciences, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

    Clarimar Borrero-Mejias

Authors
  1. Reena Gogia Rastogi
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  2. Tava L. Arnold
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  3. Clarimar Borrero-Mejias
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Correspondence to Reena Gogia Rastogi.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Psychological and Behavioral Aspects of Headache and Pain

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Rastogi, R.G., Arnold, T.L., Borrero-Mejias, C. et al. Non-pharmacologic and Mindful-Based Approaches for Pediatric Headache Disorders: a Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep 25, 78 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-021-00993-w

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