Biofeedback for Headaches
Authors: HEALTH AND PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1985)

Position Paper1 January 1985Biofeedback for HeadachesHEALTH AND PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEEHEALTH AND PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEESearch for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-102-1-128 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptBiofeedback refers to a collection of techniques in which physiologic activity of unconscious bodily functions is monitored and provided instantly by audio or visual instruments in an attempt to permit the patient to gain control over these functions. The patient is instructed to use any of several strategies (for example, sensations, thoughts, or feelings) to produce a desired change in physiologic functioning and to use the technique that appears successful. The rationale underlying biofeedback assumes that the physiologic activity being monitored is causally related to a clinical problem and that alteration of the physiologic activity can lead to resolution of...References1. ZIEGLERHASSANEINCOUCH DRJ. Characteristics of life headache histories in a nonclinic population. Neurology (Minneap). 1977;27:265-9. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. DIAMONDMEDINADIAMOND-FALKDEVENO SJJT. The value of biofeedback in the treatment of chronic headache: a five-year retrospective study. Headache. 1979;19:90-6. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. MARTINMATHEWS PA. Tension headaches: psychophysiological investigation and treatment. J Psychosom Res. 1978;22:389-99. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. STEINERDINCE SW. Biofeedback efficacy studies: a critique of critiques. Biofeedback Self Regul. 1981; 6:275-88. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. HAVELICKROSENBERGSTROBEL RSC. Biofeedback in Clinical Practice. New York: Institute for Psychosomatic Research; 1981. 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Marzuk, M.D., and was developed for the Health and Public Policy Committee by the Clinical Efficacy Assessment Subcommittee: Donald E. Olson, M.D., Chairman; David Banta, M.D.; Howard S. Frazier, M.D.; Richard B. Hornick, M.D.; Seymour Perry, M.D.; and Willis C. Maddrey, M.D. Members of the Health and Public Policy Committee for the 1984-85 term include Edwin P. Maynard III, M.D., Chairman; John H. Eisenberg, M.D.; Richard G. Farmer, M.D.; Daniel D. Federman, M.D.; John R. Hogness, M.D.; Leo E. Hollister, M.D.; Charles E. Lewis, M.D.; Donald E. Olson, M.D.; Malcolm L. Peterson, M.D.; Theodore B. Schwartz, M.D.; and Helen L. Smits, M.D. This paper was adopted by the Board of Regents on 16 November 1984. 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