Effect of EEG Neurofeedback Training in Patients with Moderate–Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Clinical and Electrophysiological Outcome Study

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death, and its survivors with a disability are considered to be an important global health priority. In view of a diverse range of disability and its impact on TBI survivors, the need for effective rehabilitation modalities is on a high rise. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the efficacy of EEG neurofeedback training (EEG-NFT) in moderate–severe TBI patients on their clinical and electrophysiological outcomes. The study was an experimental longitudinal design with a pre-post comparison. A total of 14 TBI patients in a postinjury period between 3 months to 2 years were recruited. All participants received twenty sessions of EEG-NFT. Baseline and post-NFT comparisons were made on postconcussion symptoms (PCS) and electrophysiological variables. The result indicates a significant reduction in the severity of PCS following EEG-NFT. A consistent pattern of reduced slow waves and fast waves amplitude ratios was also noted at post-NFT, although it was not significant across all the brain regions. The present study suggests EEG-NFT as a contributing factor in improving PCS and normalization of qEEG in TBI patients, which holds an implication for clinical decision-making of EEG-NFT as a viable alternative to be offered to TBI patients.