[HappaGuy]

1: Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2005 Jan;14(1):163-76, viii. ...
Neurofeedback treatment of epilepsy.
Walker JE, Kozlowski GP.

Neurotherapy Center of Dallas, 12870 Hillcrest Road, Suite 201, Dallas, TX 75230, USA. neurotherapycenter@sbcglobal.net

With electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback (or neurofeedback), it is possible to train the brain to de-emphasize rhythms that lead to generation and propagation of seizure and emphasize rhythms that make seizures less likely to occur. With recent improvements in quantitative EEG measurement and improved neurofeedback protocols, it has become possible in clinical practice to eliminate seizures or reduce the amount of medication required to control them. In this article, the history of neurofeedback for epilepsy is presented followed by discussions of the relevant neurophysiology of epilepsy. A model of how neurofeedback might raise the seizure threshold is then presented. Clinical experience using a quantitative EEG-guided approach is described, including a representative case study.

PMID: 15564057 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/en..._uids=15564057

Does anyone out there have any information on or experience with biofeedback for epilepsy?

Interesting. My mother used to do a lot of work with biofeedback in hear early days of being a psychologist. I always thought it was interesting shit, would like to read more about what you are talking about.

[HappaGuy]

Originally Posted by Zelig

Interesting. My mother used to do a lot of work with biofeedback in hear early days of being a psychologist. I always thought it was interesting shit, would like to read more about what you are talking about.

Well, there's no shortage of encouraging clinical studies on it (see quote below), but where are there physicians offering this treatment, and why don't mine know about it already?

EPILEPSY

# Neurofeedback treatment of epilepsy.
Walker JE, Kozlowski GP.
Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2005 Jan;14(1):163-76, viii. Review. [abstract]

# Neurofeedback and epilepsy.
Monderer RS, Harrison DM, Haut SR.
Epilepsy Behav. 2002 Jun;3(3):214-218. [abstract]

# Negative potential shifts and the prediction of the outcome of neurofeedback therapy in epilepsy.
Kotchoubey B, Strehl U, Holzapfel S, Blankenhorn V, Froscher W, Birbaumer N.
Clin Neurophysiol. 1999 Apr;110(4):683-6. [abstract]

# A meta-analysis of psychological treatments for epilepsy.
Yesu, Daniel;
Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences & Engineering, Vol 59(4-B), Oct 1998. pp. 1873.

# Neurofeedback treatment of pseudoseizure disorder.
Swingle PG.
Biol Psychiatry. 1998 Dec 1;44(11):1196-9. [abstract]

# Effectiveness of psychological interventions for people with poorly controlled epilepsy.
Goldstein, Laura H.;
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, Vol 63(2), Aug 1997. pp. 137-142.

# Neurotherapy and drug therapy in combination for adult ADHD, personality disorder, and seizure disorder: A case report.
Hansen, Lisa M.; Trudeau, David L.; Grace, Dixie L.;
Journal of Neurotherapy, Vol 2(1), Fal-Win 1996. pp. 6-14.

# Predictive factors for controlling seizures using a behavioural approach.
Andrews DJ, Schonfeld WH.
Seizure. 1992 Jun;1(2):111-6. [abstract]

# Evocation and inhibition of seizures: Behavioral treatment.
Fenwick, Peter
In: Neurobehavioral problems in epilepsy. Smith, Dennis B.; Treiman, David M.; New York, NY, England: Raven Press, Publishers, 1991. pp. 163-183.

# EEG biofeedback and relaxation training in the control of epileptic seizures.
Tozzo CA, Elfner LF, May JG Jr.
Int J Psychophysiol. 1988 Aug;6(3):185-94. [abstract]

# Neuropsychological aspects of complex partial seizures: Diagnostic and treatment issues.
Bennett, Thomas L.;
International Journal of Clinical Neuropsychology, Vol 9(1), 1987. pp. 37-45.

# Eight to twelve Hertz occipital EEG training with moderate and severely retarded epileptic individuals.
Rudrud, Eric H.;
Dissertation Abstracts International, Vol 39(5-B), Nov 1978. pp. 2546.

# Electroencephalographic biofeedback methodology and the management of epilepsy.
Lubar, Joel F.;
Pavlovian Journal of Biological Science, Vol 12(3), Jul-Sep 1977. pp. 147-185.

# Operant conditioning of epileptic neurons in monkeys and its theoretical application to EEG operant conditioning in humans.
Wyler AR.
Pavlov J Biol Sci. 1977 Jul-Sep;12(3):130-46. [abstract]

# Behavioral management of epileptic seizures following EEG biofeedback training of the sensorimotor rhythm.
Lubar JF, Bahler WW.
Biofeedback Self Regul. 1976 Mar;1(1):77-104. [abstract]

# Reduction of seizures in refractory epileptic patients through EEG biofeedback training.
Seifert, Alvin R.;
Dissertation Abstracts International, Vol 36(3-B), Sep 1975. pp. 1481.

# Reduction of epileptic seizures through EEG biofeedback training.
Seifert AR, Lubar JF.
Biol Psychol. 1975 Nov;3(3):157-84. [abstract]

# Biofeedback in epileptics: equivocal relationship of reinforced EEG frequency to seizure reduction.
Kaplan BJ.
Epilepsia. 1975 Sep;16(3):477-85. [abstract]

# Phased biofeedback approach for epileptic seizure control.
Johnson, Richard K.; Meyer, Robert G.;
Journal of Behavior Therapy & Experimental Psychiatry, Vol 5(2), Sep 1974. pp. 185-187.

# EEG biofeedback and epilepsy.
Kaplan, Bonnie J.;
Dissertation Abstracts International, Vol 35(2-B), Aug 1974. pp. 1082.

# Neurophysiologic and clinical studies of sensorimotor EEG biofeedback training: some effects on epilepsy.
Sterman MB.
Seminars in Psychiatry

Source: http://start.eegspectrum.com/Newsletter/papers.htm

[HappaGuy]

Biofeedback Trains Mind, Body to Make Changes
Migraines, ADHD, high blood pressure, epilepsy, and incontinence can all benefit from the technique of biofeedback. Part 1 of a 4-part series on alternative medicine.
(continued)
Epilepsy:

Neurofeedback is helping epilepsy patients reduce the frequency of their seizures.

"In people with epilepsy, part of the brain has become unstable, and occasionally it triggers the rest of the brain into seizure," explained Siegfried Othmer, PhD, an Encino, Calif., physicist who trains biofeedback therapists, in a previous interview. Neurofeedback may help stabilize those circuits and reduce the occurrence of seizures.
Bottom Line: There's Help Out There

Many psychologists, professional counselors, social workers, and other health care professionals are trained in biofeedback, neurotherapy, neurofeedback, and EEG biofeedback. The Association for Applied Psychophysiology & Biofeedback has more information about this therapy and about finding a good practitioner. Also, The Biofeedback Certification Institute of America can help you find a certified and licensed practitioner.

Published Jan. 24, 2005.
Medically updated March 2006.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/balance/feature...pilepsy?page=3

So that's what the WebMD has to say. It sure does look like biofeedback is likely to be helpful for epilepsy.

I guess the next step is to visit the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America.

So why doesn't my fancy-pants neurology specialist talk about this? Nor my PCP? I've been looking at a lifetime of dependency on pharmaceuticals as a best-case outcome. ( How happy for the pharmaceutical companies who stand to get lots of money from my health insurance company for all the years that remain to me.)

Modern medicine is mysterious *HG said euphemistically*

Some of you will have noticed that biofeedback is likely to be helpful for Migraines, ADHD, high blood pressure, and incontinence too, according to this article. I hope this information might open up the hope of a better outcome for you too.

[polly_LBO]

i've heard elector-introfierence can increase grand-mals

[HappaGuy]

Well, when I posted this thread last December I don't think I had any idea I would actually be pursuing EEG Biofeedback therapy, but that's what's happened. Setbacks have got me thinking ahead.

My MDs (PCP and Neurologist) haven't heard of this alternative but well-researched therapy modality, and are inclined to dismiss it.

So I found an MD in Texas who practices EEG Biofeedback to talk to Dr. Neurologist who wouldn't talk to a mere PhD or read any clinical research. Saw Dr. Neurologist and he promised to call Dr. Biofeedback-in-Texas last week. Saw PCP and she says Dr. Neurologist says he hasn't called Dr. Biofeedback yet, but let's tweak my dosage again.

Jumping through so many hoops...One can die of the orthodoxy of doctors.

I've gotten by with MMJ "and a little help from my friends.".

Anyway, I'll keep you posted if anyone is interested.

[endlesssky]

well. i have heard of biofeedback for pain relief and drug addiction { alcholic's too] and just plain thearpy with biofeedback they have in visilia, i started last week, but got sick and had to take a few weeks off till i recover again, but i have heard alot of great thing;s about this, and i think their's no limit to what can be done with it, as i have just started, she has adeep accent in German and it effects me and make's hard to concetrate on my breathing and the CD she gave me has her voice on it and it drive's me nuts to go to sleep to, they just diganosed me a devated septum and i have not slept much in months, i have a cpap machine cause my oxyagen level drops 40 times a hr, thats how many time;s i wake up at nite, i wish i could sleep!!!! better mmj isn;t helping due to the stress, that they keep telling i will die in my sleep so what happens when i try to sleep i wake up and stay up till 5 am, i;m just kinda scared, i wish they would just keep their mouth shut!!, i haven't died yet!,,,, well i'm for more biofeedback, if it helps you! i hope it helps me, cut back on my pain meds cause they took me off oxcontin cold trukey and cut my methadon back from 80 mg to 60 mg all at once, and i have swollen leg's and they are infected, i guess they think it doe'snt hurt to move or just walk, i'm way worse than i was now i am back in the wheel chair now and back on pridnazone, so my life is cut short due to the immune defentioncey!! the other seriod he tried swelled my legs up and infected them , it just didn;t work for me at all, what a bummer i am a bit depressed from it!!. but i will try this feedback and see what come's of it see ya later Endlesssky:partysmile:

[HappaGuy]

Originally Posted by endlesssky

well. i have heard of biofeedback for pain relief and drug addiction { alcholic's too] and just plain thearpy with biofeedback they have in visilia, i started last week, but got sick and had to take a few weeks off till i recover again, but i have heard alot of great thing;s about this, and i think their's no limit to what can be done with it, ... but i will try this feedback and see what come's of it see ya later Endlesssky

Well. I am trying to try it.

There is plenty of literature in support, but very few physicians practicing it. And yes, biofeedback in general and EEG neurofeedback in particular seem to have a host of therapeutic applications: PTSD, alcoholism, ADHD...

I finally found one in Dallas TX, and here is the news:

My neurologist left a message yesterday that he's finally spoken by phone Dr. Texas! -After much delay.

Haven't gotten hold of him yet - I have no direct number to him, and all other numbers state "please don't leave a message". Oy! Anyway, more news to come.:sbounce:

Will my Dr. Neurologist, grand high priest of neurology at a major California hospital, see beyond the myopia of his institutional orthodoxy, and allow an alternative therapy that is practiced by at least one MD in Texas?

Or will he offer this and that reason that will confine my future to consumption of all of these very heavy drugs, and to living within stone's throw of my pharmacy and my PCP?

Stay tuned - "same bat-time, same bat-channel!"

A lot of patients face choices like this every day dealing with the health care "system" in this country.

I think there is a lot of demand for "Patient Advocates" to be a voice on behalf of patients as a class in the halls of medicine.

The corresponding supply is however, unfunded. Medical bills don't give change, by and large. "Oh, five thousand dollars back from my hundred-thousand dollars surgery! I think I'll go hire a patient advocate!" Nope.