Comparison of self-hypnosis and propranolol in the treatment of juvenile classic migraine

Pediatrics. 1987 Apr;79(4):593-7.

Abstract

In a prospective study we compared propranolol, placebo, and self-hypnosis in the treatment of juvenile classic migraine. Children aged 6 to 12 years with classic migraine who had no previous specific treatment were randomized into propranolol (at 3 mg/kg/d) or placebo groups for a 3-month period and then crossed over for 3 months. After this 6-month period, each child was taught self-hypnosis and used it for 3 months. Twenty-eight patients completed the entire study. The mean number of headaches per child for 3 months during the placebo period was 13.3 compared with 14.9 during the propranolol period and 5.8 during the self-hypnosis period. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between decrease in headache frequency and self-hypnosis training (P = .045). There was no significant change in subjective or objective measures of headache severity with either therapy.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnosis / methods*
  • Male
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy
  • Migraine Disorders / therapy*
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Random Allocation

Substances

  • Propranolol