Pediatric Headache Clinic Model: Implementation of Integrative Therapies in Practice

Abstract

The demand for integrative medicine has risen in recent years as research has demonstrated the efficacy of such treatments. The public has also become more conscientious of the potential limitations of conventional treatment alone. Because primary headache syndromes are often the culmination of genetics, lifestyle, stress, trauma, and environmental factors, they are best treated with therapies that are equally multifaceted. The Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri Headache Clinic has successfully incorporated integrative therapies including nutraceuticals, acupuncture, aromatherapy, biofeedback, relaxation training, hypnosis, psychology services, and lifestyle recommendations for headache management. This paper provides a detailed review of the implementation of integrative therapies for headache treatment and discusses examples through case studies. It can serve as a model for other specialty settings intending to incorporate all evidenced-based practices, whether complementary or conventional.

Aromatherapy for Managing Pain in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials

“…Essential oils can be absorbed via olfaction, through the external skin, internal skin, and ingestion, and the applications are divided into inhalation, topical use, and oral use [ 7 ]. Several pediatric academic medical centers in USA utilize aromatherapy for pain, or anxiety surrounding procedures [ 8 , 9 ]. Some textbooks have also reported the beneficial effects of aromatherapy for a wide range of conditions including infection, insomnia, pain, inflammation, stress, mental health, cancer, and women’s health [ 10 , 11 ].…”

Improving Acute Treatment of Pediatric Primary Headache Disorders With a Novel Headache Treatment Center: Retrospective Review of Preliminary Outcomes

“…The HTC is an extension of the multidisciplinary care model within the Headache Relief Clinics at CM Child Neurology Division and may include behavioral, pharmacologic, and non-pharmacologic integrative therapies. 14 This innovative treatment model and setting addresses several gaps in acute pediatric headache management. HTC appointments are available between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm weekdays and cannot be made more than 2-3 days in advance in order to increase availability for patients with an active headache.…”

Migraine and Mood in Children

“…As mentioned earlier, relaxation training and biofeedback proved beneficial for children with migraine [ 89 ]. Biofeedback reduces the pain and frequency of headaches [ 119 ].…”

“…Behavioral interventions [ 83 ], including education [ 84 ], relaxation, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT), have yielded positive results for migraineurs [ 85 ]. More studies have been done for adults with migraine [ 85 , 86 , 87 ], but data on similar strategies for managing migraine in children and adolescents are limited [ 13 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 ]. According to Faedda et al [ 83 ], behavioral therapy consists of three components: Adherence to treatment, lifestyle adjustment, and psychological intervention.…”