Brainwave Therapy for Chronic Pain Relief
A novel approach to chronic pain management is emerging, leveraging the power of neurofeedback. Researchers at the University of New South Wales have developed PainWaive, a system that uses an electroencephalogram (EEG) headset and a game app to train patients to regulate their brainwaves.
Targeting Abnormal Brain Activity
The system targets the abnormal brainwave patterns associated with nerve pain – specifically, an excess of slow theta waves and fast beta waves, coupled with a deficiency in alpha waves. These patterns are believed to disrupt communication between the thalamus and other brain regions responsible for pain perception. By learning to shift these patterns through the interactive games, patients may achieve pain relief.
Initial Trial Results
An initial clinical trial, involving four patients with corneal neuropathic pain, yielded encouraging results. Three out of four participants experienced significant pain reduction five weeks after completing twenty sessions of PainWaive. This level of pain relief was comparable to or exceeded that achieved with opioid medications, suggesting a potential drug-free alternative.
Future Directions and Limitations
While the results are promising, the small sample size necessitates further investigation. Researchers acknowledge limitations in generalizing the findings and the possibility of placebo effects. Larger-scale trials are underway to evaluate PainWaive’s effectiveness in treating chronic spinal pain and chronic nerve pain in individuals with spinal cord injuries. The potential for PainWaive to provide an affordable, accessible home-based solution for pain management is particularly compelling.
Source: Gizmodo