Behavioral pain management for pediatric headache in primary care

This study explored the efficacy of a behavioral pain management treatment package implemented in a primary-care pediatric clinic as an intervention for recurrent pediatric headache. This study used a multiple baseline design with 7 children (ages 8 to 16), who had regular tension or migraine activity. Treatment was implemented by a master's level behavioral health clinician following a behavioral treatment protocol. The clinician did not have specific expertise in biofeedback or pain management. The children participated in 5 sessions of thermal biofeedback training supplemented with independent pain management guidelines for parents. Each child kept a daily pain diary of frequency, duration, and intensity of headache activity. Six of the 7 children demonstrated significant reductions in 1 or more self-reported headache parameters (frequency, duration, intensity) following treatment. The efficacy of the behavioral pain management treatment package implemented in a primary-care clinic is supported as a treatment for recurrent pediatric headache sufferers.