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Biofeedback in the treatment of epilepsy

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Check out this Knowledge Base article from StressTherapy Solutions: Biofeedback in the treatment of epilepsy.

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Study at a glance

Area
Epilepsy & Seizures
Study type
Review & meta-analysis
Authors
Sterman MB
Journal
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
Year
2010
Protocol
SMR (sensorimotor rhythm) EEG biofeedback

Key findings

  • SMR over sensorimotor cortex resembles sleep spindles and accompanies learned motor inhibition
  • SMR training in cats and monkeys produced an unexpected anticonvulsant effect on drug-induced seizures
  • Studies in people with epilepsy documented significant reductions in seizure frequency and severity, with EEG normalization
  • Findings were extended internationally in controlled group and single-case studies summarized in meta-analyses

DOI 10.3949/ccjm.77.s3.11 → PubMed 20622079 →

A review tracing EEG biofeedback (operant conditioning of brain rhythms) from animal research to a treatment option for seizure disorders. Work on behavioral inhibition revealed the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR, 12-15 Hz), and training it in animals unexpectedly protected against drug-induced seizures. Human studies followed, and the author describes later controlled work, imaging findings that may explain the effects, and the methods used in his own biofeedback program.