Headband meditation might provide ache reduction and improved operate after Cushing’s surgical procedure

Sufferers with Cushing’s syndrome who’re recovering from surgical procedure and put on a scarf that tracks mind exercise whereas they meditate might have much less ache and higher bodily functioning in contrast with sufferers not utilizing the gadget, suggests a examine being introduced Monday at ENDO 2024, the Endocrine Society’s annual assembly in Boston, Mass.

The headscarf, known as MUSE-2, makes use of electroencephalogram (EEG) sensors to measure mind exercise and supplies audio biofeedback whereas an individual meditates.

Cushing’s syndrome is a uncommon endocrine dysfunction attributable to power publicity to extra ranges of cortisol-;a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal gland. Signs embody muscle weak point and difficulties with reminiscence and focus. In ladies, there could also be elevated progress of facial and physique hair, and menstrual durations might turn into irregular or cease utterly. Remedies for the dysfunction can be found however Cushing’s syndrome might be deadly if not handled.

Remedy might embody surgical procedure, radiation, chemotherapy or using cortisol-inhibiting medication. Sufferers present process surgical procedure expertise glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome (GWS) following healing surgical procedure. The signs of GWS embody fatigue, weak point, muscle aches, joint ache, temper modifications, and sleep disturbance. Sufferers typically report that recovering from Cushing’s syndrome is quickly tougher than dwelling with Cushing’s syndrome.

The researchers wished to check meditation in sufferers recovering from healing surgical procedure for Cushing’s illness as a result of meditation has been reported to boost postsurgical restoration in sufferers with different circumstances, mentioned researcher Jasmine Saini, M.B.B.S. of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. “With little identified in regards to the interventions that may assist sufferers experiencing glucocorticoid withdrawal syndrome, our group is the primary to discover meditation to boost post-surgical restoration,” she mentioned.

The examine included two teams of sufferers recovering from surgical procedure. The intervention group of 27 sufferers was provided a MUSE headband with directions to meditate for at the least 10 minutes per day for 3 months. The comparability group of 81 sufferers didn’t use the headscarf. Three months after surgical procedure, sufferers utilizing the MUSE headbands reported vital enhancements in bodily functioning and physique ache in contrast with the comparability group.

Regardless of a small pattern measurement and brief follow-up, outcomes demonstrating enchancment in physique ache and bodily functioning domains within the MUSE cohort are promising. We’re motivated to check biofeedback meditation’s influence on high quality of life in an extended follow-up. With our preliminary outcomes, we’re hopeful this gadget can be utilized to alleviate signs of glucocorticoid withdrawal.”

Jasmine Saini, M.B.B.S. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

The analysis was supported by the Olin Household Present, Recordati and the Mayo Clinic. The MUSE-2 units had been donated by the MUSE firm.