The Effect of Valsalva maneuver on Migraine Headache

Author(s): Kamran Shirbache, Ali Shirbacheh, Mozhgan Sadat Hashemi, Ghasem Pishgahi, Mansour V Shirbacheh, Omid Mirmosayyeb,Vahid Shaygannejad, Mansoureh Togha

Background: This study investigated the effect of Valsalva maneuver (VM) on migraine headache (MH).

Method: This is a double-blind, randomized clinical trial that has been registered with the IRCT20210525051405N1 code. The VM was induced among the study group in the acute phase of MH using a simulator. In the control group, a pseudo-simulator was used in the acute phase of MH. The patients recorded the effects of this maneuver on the severity of their headaches on a checklist, and their data were analyzed through logistic regression under the generalized estimating equations (GEE) method.

Results: We evaluated 74 migraine patients,42 in the intervention group and 32 in the control group. The age and gender indexes were equalized in both groups. This study shows that there is no significant statistical difference in the Pain Score of the two groups before and after the VM (B=0.842, P value= 0.074). There were however significant statistical differences in Overall Headache Relief Rate (B= 2.550, P value=0.000) and the rate of relief improved with repeated use (B=2.172, P value=0.000) in the study group. VM did not affect use of analgesic medications in the study group (B=0.518, P value=0.160).

Conclusion: The Valsalva maneuver improved the headache of migraine patients overall, and it could be a remedial technique for migraine patients, but more extensive studies are needed.