A randomized controlled trial on effect of transcranial direct current stimulation and cognitive behavioral therapy on headache related disability and impact of headache on life of migraineurs

Abstract

Introduction. Migraine is a public health problem of great impact on patients as well as society. Migraine prophylaxis requires daily administration of anti-migraine compounds whether or not migraine attack is occurring. All the drugs used for migraine prevention have potential and often relevant adverse effect or contraindications. The purpose of present study was to evaluate efficacy of non-pharmacological management techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS) on headache related disability and impact of headaches on life of patients suffering from migraine. Methodology. Sixty-six subjects fulfilling the selection criteria were recruited for the study. They were randomly allocated into three groups. Group one received TDCS, Group 2 received CBT, and Group 3 (Control group) did not receive any treatment. Participants were asked to fill HDI and HIT 6 prior to start of intervention, post intervention and at follow up. Collected data was analysed for statistical significance. Results. We found a significant decrease in HDI and HIT 6 scores in TDCS, and CBT Group as compared to Control Group. This improvement was maintained during follow up period. Conclusion. TDCS and CBT can be effective in decreasing headache related disability and impact of headache on daily life in patients suffering from Migraine.

Keywords

• migraine
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• transcranial direct current stimulation