MRI Outcomes of Mindfulness Meditation for Migraine

MRI Outcomes of Mindfulness Meditation for Migraine

112 migraine subjects will be initially randomly assigned to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or a Stress Management for Headache group (SMH). Outcomes, including headache frequency and impact and brain activity, will be assessed at baseline, prior to intervention, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months.

Subjects in the MBSR group undergo a standardized 8-week MBSR course plus an additional 4 sessions over another 8 weeks that further emphasize and train subjects on MBSR concepts and skills. The SMH group will have 12 sessions spread out in a similar fashion to MBSR. Clinical outcomes are compared between groups at 3, 6, and 12 months to assess efficacy of MBSR. MRI scans are performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months changes in MRI metrics after MBSR and changes in MRI metrics associated with long-term MBSR practice. 30 healthy controls will also undergo MRI scanning to determine abnormal brain activity and structure in migraineurs compared to healthy controls across the 6 month period of observation.

Inclusion Criteria

• Are between 18 and 65 years of age
• Report between 4 and 14 headaches over 28 days
• Have a history of migraines lasting at least 1 year
• Are not currently using opioid ("narcotic") pain medication

Exclusion Criteria

• Are unable to undergo MRI
• Pregnant, lactating, or planning to become pregnant
• Current use of opioid medications

Inclusion Criteria for Healthy Volunteers (same exclusion criteria)

• Are between 18 and 65 years of age
• Free of any acute or chronic pain condition and reports no history of migraines