title: Outcome of biofeedback-assisted relaxation for neurocardiogenic syncope and headache: a clinical replication series.
abstract: Preliminary evidence exists through single case reports that psychophysiological interventions may be useful in the treatment of syncope (fainting). To explore this possibility, a case series of ten patients with histories of recurrent unexplained syncope or near syncope, headache, and a poor response to or tolerance for medication was performed. All patients were treated with electromyographic, thermal, biofeedback as well as progressive and autogenic relaxation. Six of the ten patients showed a major decrease in symptoms at the end of treatment. Descriptive comparisons between the improved and unimproved group were made and a detailed case study of one improved patient is presented. The results suggested that biofeedback-assisted relaxation treatment was most effective in younger patients whose syncope was associated with a strong psychophysiological response and whose headaches were intermittent, not daily occurrences.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43699-0008, USA.
authors.forename: A V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: McGrady
authors.forename: E G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Bush
authors.forename: B P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Grubb
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology; D001326:Autogenic Training; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000502:physiology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011603:Psychophysiology; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome