Open Access(606) NeuroModulation of Pain Perception Through Neurofeedback Training: Long Lasting Effects on Pain Control
Author(s) -
Daniel B. Carr,
Schug SA,
Carr Db,
Cynn Dj,
Mcdonagh Mm,
Gouveia Wa
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
pain medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.893
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1526-4637
pISSN - 1526-2375
DOI - 10.1046/j.1526-4637.2000.000024-7.x
Subject(s) - neurofeedback , neuromodulation , medicine , pain perception , chronic pain , pain control , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , biofeedback , anesthesia , psychiatry , electroencephalography , stimulation
Author: Victoria L Ibric; Therapy & Prevention Center Aim of the Investigation: Follow‐up studies to determine the efficacy of the long lasting effects of Neurofeedback training in patients with different chronic pain syndromes. Methods: A standard evaluation procedure was done pretraining, after 20 consecutive sessions, and 1–2 years postinterruption of training. The evaluation consisted of a Psychophysiological Profile and electromyography over the affected muscle groups, and an electroencephalography over the sensory motor area of the brain. The Neurofeedback training was designed according to peripheral localization of the chronic pain. Varying numbers of 45‐minute sessions were completed. Results: Two of the 115 chronic pain patients, who had been referred for biofeedback, are presented. First, is a case of myofascial pain syndrome/RSD, post spinal cord injury, and bruxism; second is a case of chronic low back and knee pain associated with Parkinson's disease. These two patients had been treated for 50/55 Neurofeedback sessions, respectively. The symptoms present at intake had been gradually resolved and had not returned 1 to 2 years after interruption of training. Brain wave modifications had also been consistently noticed and maintained. Medications had been reduced or eliminated completely. Conclusions: The effectiveness and long‐lasting effects of Neurofeedback therapy are based on neuromodulation of pain perception, and are achieved by modifying the electrical activity of the brain accordingly, through operant conditioning.