Neurofeedback for Migraines Murray UT
Another Tuesday, another deadline looming, and you feel that familiar, dreaded throb behind your eyes. You dim the computer screen, but you know what’s coming. a migraine that will steal the rest of your day and maybe tomorrow too. It’s a frustrating cycle, especially when you’re trying to manage a career and family life right here in the Salt Lake valley.
I remember talking with a teacher from Murray, a wonderful woman who was amazing at her job but was constantly on edge. She was terrified of getting a migraine during class or a parent-teacher conference. She felt like she’d tried everything from medication to extreme diets, and nothing gave her lasting relief. She was just about ready to give up. Her story is so common.
But what if you could train your brain to be more resilient against migraines? What if you could find a way to manage them that didn’t just involve popping a pill and hoping for the best? In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what neurofeedback is, how it works for migraines, and what you can realistically expect. No confusing jargon, just straight answers for busy people who just want to feel better.
What is Neurofeedback and Why Haven’t I Heard of It?
So what is this neurofeedback thing anyway? The simplest way to think about it is like a workout for your brain. It’s a type of biofeedback, which is a method that uses technology to give you information about what your own body is doing. You see your brain activity in real-time, usually as a video game or a sound, and you learn to change it for the better.
Think of it like learning to shoot a basketball. At first, you might miss a lot. But if a coach gives you instant feedback—”you’re dropping your elbow,” “your follow-through is off”—you start to adjust. Over time, you sink more and more shots without even thinking about it. Neurofeedback does the same thing for your brainwaves. It rewards your brain for entering a calmer, more stable state, and with practice, your brain learns to stay in that state more often on its own. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. It’s a highly specialized field, but as people in communities like Murray look for non-drug solutions for chronic issues, it’s becoming a lot more popular.
The Big Question: Does Neurofeedback Actually Work for Migraines?
Let’s get right to it, does this stuff actually work? For many people, the answer is a resounding yes. Research and clinical experience have shown that neurofeedback can be a powerful tool for reducing both the frequency and the severity of migraines. It’s not magic, it’s science. A migraine is often related to something called “cortical hyperexcitability.” That’s just a fancy way of saying the brain is a little too sensitive and easily triggered into a migraine episode.
Neurofeedback helps to calm that excitability down. By training your brain to produce more of the calm, stable brainwaves and less of the erratic ones, you are essentially building up its natural defense against migraines. The goal is to make your brain less likely to overreact to triggers, whether it’s stress from a long day, certain foods, or even changes in the weather here in Utah. While it’s important to have realistic expectations, a study in the journal Behavioral and Brain Functions found that neurofeedback had a significant effect on reducing migraine frequency, with some patients experiencing a reduction of over 50%. (2) The idea isn’t to promise a one-and-done cure, but to give you more good days and make the bad days less severe.
“Stopping a Migraine in its Tracks”: What Neurofeedback Can (and Can’t) Do
A lot of people want to know if neurofeedback can stop a migraine that’s already started. That is the dream, right? To feel that first twinge and have a secret weapon to shut it down immediately. It’s important to be honest here: neurofeedback is a preventative tool, not an emergency rescue. The training process happens over a series of sessions in our Murray office, where your brain learns and builds its new, healthier patterns. This is about long-term change, not an instant fix for an acute attack.
Think of it like this, going to the gym and getting stronger helps prevent injuries, but if you’ve already sprained your ankle, you need a different kind of immediate care. When you feel a migraine starting, you should turn to your established acute-care plan. Some people find the 3-3-3 rule helpful: name 3 things you see, 3 things you hear, and move 3 parts of your body. It’s a simple grounding technique that can sometimes help manage the anxiety that comes with an oncoming migraine. Neurofeedback is what you do between the migraines to make the next one less likely to happen. For a deep dive into migraine mechanisms, Harvard Medical School offers excellent resources for patients. (3)
Are There Any Downsides? A Realistic Look at Neurofeedback
Being a smart consumer means asking about the downsides, and you absolutely should. So what are the drawbacks of neurofeedback? The two biggest ones for most people are time and money. Neurofeedback is a process. It usually involves an initial assessment and then a series of training sessions, maybe 20 or more. It’s a commitment, and for busy professionals, that’s a real consideration. And because it’s a specialized service, it can be an investment, and insurance coverage can vary. We work hard to be transparent about all of this upfront.
As for side effects, the good news is that because neurofeedback is non-invasive (we’re not putting anything *into* your brain), they are usually very mild. The most common one is feeling a little tired after a session, like your brain just had a good workout. Some people might feel a bit lightheaded for a few minutes. That’s about it. Compared to the side effects of some daily migraine medications, most people find it very manageable. Reputable sources like Psychology Today have often discussed the very low-risk profile of most neurofeedback systems. (4) It’s considered a very safe procedure when done by a qualified professional.
Ready to Try a New Approach?
Tired of letting migraines control your schedule? It might be time to see if neurofeedback is the right next step for you. You dont have to figure this out alone. Let’s talk. You can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our team right here in Murray, and we can answer your questions in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does neurofeedback really help with migraines?
Yes, it can. Neurofeedback is a personalized training for your brain. You work to calm the brain activity that can trigger migraines. The focus is to make them happen less often and feel less severe when they do.
What are the negatives of neurofeedback treatment?
The main downsides are the commitment of time for the sessions and the cost. Some people feel a bit tired afterward, but major side effects are rare because the process is non-invasive.
Can my migraines be cured for good?
That’s the hope for everyone with migraines. While some people see their migraines disappear completely, it’s more helpful to think of neurofeedback as a way to manage them effectively. The goal is a major, long-lasting reduction in how much they affect your life.
What should I do when I feel a migraine coming on?
Neurofeedback is for prevention. When an attack starts, use the plan you have with your doctor. Some people also use grounding techniques to manage the immediate stress and anxiety.
