Children's Imaginations Help To Eliminate Migraine Headaches

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CLEVELAND, May 9, 1996-- Cyberphysiologic techniques -- self-hypnosis, relaxation exercises, and other methods of self-regulation -- can help children control the frequency and pain of migraine headache episodes, according to researchers at Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital of University Hospitals of Cleveland, and Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. The data from the study will be presented at the 1996 Pediatric Academic Societies' Annual Meeting, Nay 6-10, in Washington, D.C.

"Our research determined that learning relaxation techniques and using imagery is more effective in eliminating juvenile migraine than prescribing preventive medication," says Dr. Karen Olness, director of the Pediatric Biobehavioral Center at Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, and associate professor of pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. "The children using these techniques experienced fewer headaches. And, for the first time in a controlled study, we've shown that the same type of mast cell activation that occurs in adult migraine is also present in children."

Mast cells are responsible for releasing neutotransmitters in the brain that cause changes in the vascular and autonomic systems, and result in migraine symptoms. Scientists can determine mast cell activation by measuring an increased level of tryptase in urine. For example, some foods believed to trigger migraine symptoms are also associated with activated mast cells. In this new study, the use of cyberphysiologic techniques practiced by children over a six month period resulted in a reduction of tryptase.

The study involved 30 children, ages 5 to 12, who met the International Headache Society classification for juvenile migraines. The children avoided eating chocolate, bananas and cheese -- foods that can activate mast cells. During their first visit, the children were taught a progressive relaxation exercise, and how to focus on pleasant imagery. They were asked to practice these techniques twice a day for ten minutes. During a second visit, their ability to self-regulate was measured through biofeedback, galvanic skin response, and temperature recording. Children were offered several pain control methods, and asked to choose one to practice at home. On the third visit, these cyberphysiologic techniques were reviewed and the child was asked to practice once daily and to record practice times.

Researchers taught children how to use an imaginary control to "turn off" the pain of headaches when they occur. "We asked children to imagine a favorite place," says Dr. Olness. `'A place that you know about or can imagine. A place where you like where you are and how you feel. The more you can feel like you're in a place that you enjoy, the easier it is for you to tell your body to do things that are good for you and helpful to you."

Researchers tested urine samples over a six month period, collected before, during and after a migraine episode. After cyberphysiologic training, average urine tryptase levels decreased significantly in nine of eleven children who were successful in learning self-regulation techniques. There were no decreases in tryptase in four children who were not able to learn the techniques.

An estimated 9% of school-aged children experience migraines.Symptoms include severe pain, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to sound and light, lasting from two hours to more than a day.

The study was funded by a grant from the W.T. Grant Foundation in New York. Excluded from participation in the study were children who used preventive medications for migraine, had prior experience with self-regulation training, or had known learning disabilities or health problems.

Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital of University Hospitals of Cleveland is dedicated solely to the care of children. With 226 beds, Rainbow is one of the nation's most renowned pediatric medical centers and serves as a principal referral center for Ohio and bordering states. As the primary teaching hospital of Case Western Reserve University, Rainbow ranks sixth in the country in the total amount of National Institutes of Health funding received by any children's hospital. More than $9.8 million in research monies supports more than 30 pediatric research projects. Every new drug approved for use in children has been testing at Rainbow. Rainbow is a national leader in the treatment of children with cancer, heart disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, pulmonary disorders and endocrine disorders. More than 350 pediatric specialists representing 30 medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties, are on staff at Rainbow and its 40 special care centers.

CONTACT: Janice Guhl of Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, University Hospitals of Cleveland, 216-844-1524