Investigation of EEG Neurofeedback Processes for CNP after SCI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of an Electroencephalogram-based Neurofeedback Processes for Central Neuropathic Pain after a Spinal Cord Injury
IRAS ID
234857
Contact name
Krithika Anil
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 28 days
Research summary
Thalamocortical dysrhythmia (TCD) is an electroencephalogram (EEG) phenomenon that disrupts cortical information processing and has been observed in numerous neurological conditions. TCD causes EEG activity to slow down into lower frequencies, which is associated with pain in those with central neuropathic pain (CNP) after a spinal cord injury (SCI). Neurofeedback is a method of providing live feedback of EEG activity to an individual, which this individual can use to learn to control their EEG activity. The current neurofeedback protocol has been developed to reverse the slowed EEG activity, with the aim of providing pain relief. This is done by visualising patients' EEG activity in the form of 3 bars on a computer screen and asking these patients to control their EEG activity in direction away from TCD. Preliminary research has suggested that immediate and long-term pain relief can be achieved with this neurofeedback protocol. However, the process of controlling EEG activity is unknown. Patients are told to simply "use whatever mental strategies they prefer" to control the bars. It may be that individuals' perception of their control abilities may affect the control of the bars. Patients have previously reported a warm tingling sensation before they have pain relief. However, these were not formally recorded.
The current project aims to assess the learning process of this neurofeedback protocol. The neruofeedback protocol uses a portable EEG headset (CE marked and battery powered) to gather and visualise EEG signals. The project will examine the mental strategies used by participants to control their EEG activity and if their perception about their own control abilities affect the control over EEG activity. This will be done through one-on-one interviews and questionnaires. The project will also examine the physical sensations that the neurofeedback may elicit by recording these sensations on a 3D virtual body for qualitative analysis. This will be conducted with patients with CNP after SCI as well as healthy individuals. Healthy individuals are included as a control group to see if there is a difference in learning styles between patients and healthy individuals, or if there is a universal learning pattern. This may aid in increasing the effectiveness of the neurofeedback protocol for future users and aid in understanding the mechanism of the neurofeedback.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SC/0244
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion