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Outcome of Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation for Neurocardiogenic Syncope and Headache: A Clinical Replication Series

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio

    Angele V. McGrady & Ellen Greene Bush

  2. Department of Medicine, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio

    Blair P. Grubb

Authors
  1. Angele V. McGrady
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  2. Ellen Greene Bush
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  3. Blair P. Grubb
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McGrady, A.V., Bush, E.G. & Grubb, B.P. Outcome of Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation for Neurocardiogenic Syncope and Headache: A Clinical Replication Series. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 22, 63–72 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026241826589

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026241826589

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