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Hydrotherapy for migraines

Migraines have many symptoms and the evidence suggests a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system may play a role [1]. This study had 40 migraine patients randomized to receive either hydrotherapy plus conventional medications or conventional medications only. The hydrotherapy group received treatment with hot arm and foot bath and ice massage to head daily for 20 min for 45 days. Patients were assessed using multiple rating scales. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in headache impact scores and intensity of headaches following treatment in both groups. There was a larger benefit in the hydrotherapy group. The authors conclude that adding on hydrotherapy enhanced the vagal tone in addition to reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches in migraine patients.