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  4. A home-based self-directed EEG neurofeedback intervention for people with chronic neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (the StoPain Trial): description of the intervention

A home-based self-directed EEG neurofeedback intervention for people with chronic neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (the StoPain Trial): description of the intervention

Spinal Cord, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-024-01031-3 · Published: September 12, 2024

Spinal Cord InjuryNeurologyPain Management

Simple Explanation

This study describes an EEG neurofeedback intervention for neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury, where participants use a system at home while the control group receives usual care. The intervention aims to regulate abnormal brain activity associated with pain by providing visual or auditory feedback in real-time, helping individuals control their brain rhythms and reduce pain levels. The StoPain trial is the first RCT incorporating an in-house-developed EEG neurofeedback system designed for people with SCI neuropathic pain, aiming to evaluate its efficacy and acceptability.

Study Duration
Four-week period
Participants
134 participants with complete or incomplete SCI and persistent neuropathic pain
Evidence Level
Randomised controlled trial

Key Findings

  • 1
    EEG neurofeedback may offer clinically meaningful benefits in pain intensity and pain interference for individuals with chronic pain.
  • 2
    The home-based EEG neurofeedback intervention has the potential to increase accessibility, reduce the need for clinical resources, and enhance adherence due to its flexibility.
  • 3
    The StoPain trial outcomes aim to provide evidence regarding the intervention’s efficacy and a deeper understanding of its acceptability and usability within the SCI neuropathic pain population.

Research Summary

This manuscript describes the rationale and components of the EEG neurofeedback intervention designed for individuals with SCI neuropathic pain and intended for home-based implementation. The EEG neurofeedback intervention targets regulating abnormal brain rhythms, specifically suppressing theta and high-beta bands while reinforcing high-alpha and low-beta bands over the sensorimotor cortex. The StoPain trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy of a home-based self-directed EEG neurofeedback intervention in reducing pain severity compared to usual care for individuals with neuropathic pain following SCI.

Practical Implications

Accessibility and Usability

Home-based interventions can extend accessibility and usability, particularly for individuals in remote areas or with limited mobility.

Resource Reduction

Self-administered neurofeedback at home can reduce the need for extensive clinical resources after initial setup.

Empowerment and Engagement

Equipping individuals to self-administer sessions fosters self-efficacy and active engagement in pain management.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Accurate Headset Placement
  • 2
    Susceptibility to Artifacts
  • 3
    Environmental Factors

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