Biofeedback

Biofeedback helps a person learn stress-reduction skills by providing information about muscle tension, heart rate, skin temperature, and other vital signs as the person attempts to relax. A biofeedback unit processes electronic signals from the body and "feeds back" the information to the user in the form of sounds or graphs on a computer screen. By teaching people how their bodies respond in stressful situations and allowing them to gain some control over certain bodily functions that cause tension and physical pain, biofeedback can help many headache sufferers stop an attack before it becomes full-blown.

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Biofeedback training usually requires several sessions with a skilled biofeedback therapist. Some companies, however, make some simple biofeedback devices for self treatment at home. These devices can be helpful for some people.

The equipment used in biofeedback includes:

Electromyograph (EMG). This measures the electrical activity in the muscles to determine the amount of muscle tension. Small, flat metal sensors, called electrodes, are attached to the skin (usually on the forehead). The electrodes measure the electrical activity in the muscles directly underneath the electrodes and in adjoining muscles. The forehead muscle, for example, is connected with the jaw, neck, shoulder, and scalp muscles. The electrical activity of the muscles will be measured and displayed as numbers or electrical waves on a screen that the person can view. The forehead muscle is often used for relaxation training because tension in this area can lead to tension headaches.

Temperature trainer. This device produces a digital readout of temperature, similar to the readout of the time given by a digital watch. There is also a sound that rises in pitch as the temperature increases. The temperature measuring sensors are attached to the fingers of your dominant hand. Skin temperature of the hands and feet vary according to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. High activation--a stress response--produces cool or cold skin. Low activation--a relaxation response--results in warm skin temperature.

Heart rate monitor. Your heart rate is monitored by a photocell sensor (plethysmograph) attached either to your fingertip or earlobe. This sensor picks up changes in heart rate, measured in beats per minute (BPM). These sensors are identical to the ones found in training spas and gymnasiums when using the treadmill, exercise bicycle, and other machines for improving cardiovascular fitness.