Slow Diaphragmatic Breathing for Chronic Migraine Prevention and Treatment: A Case Report

Migraine is a common yet debilitating condition that significantly impacts personal lives, productivity, and the healthcare system. Pharmacological interventions provide relief for some migraine sufferers, but for others, are ineffective or accompanied by side effects. Emerging evidence implicates autonomic nervous system dysfunction in migraine pathophysiology, suggesting that mind–body interventions may offer a simple, cost-free therapeutic option.

A 61-year-old woman presented with severe daily migraines that had persisted for years despite medication and dietary changes. Upon starting a regular 10 min slow diaphragmatic breathing practice, her migraines ceased immediately. At a 12-month follow-up, she had only experienced two minor headaches and reported improvements in both daily functioning and quality of life.

These findings underscore the potential role of autonomic imbalance in chronic migraine and the preliminary feasibility of breathing interventions as an accessible, low-risk treatment that may, for some, surpass medication in efficacy. Breathing practices may offer a viable alternative to pharmaceutical interventions that benefits both patients and healthcare systems alike.