TBI Research
What the Research says about TBI’s and Neurofeedback
Research indicates that neurofeedback (NFB) is a promising, non-invasive intervention for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly in addressing cognitive impairments, emotional dysregulation, and persistent post-concussive symptoms. Various studies have explored different NFB protocols, such as low-resolution tomography Z-score neurofeedback (LZNFB), theta/beta training, and alpha-theta protocols, demonstrating improvements in areas like memory, attention, and quality of life.
Chen, P. Y., et. al. (2023). Effects of Neurofeedback on Cognitive Function, Productive Activity, and Quality of Life in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Neurorehabilitation and neural repair, 37(5), 277–287.
| Feature / Benefit | Neurofeedback | Medication | Talk Therapy | Occupational Therapy (OT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it Works | Trains dysregulated brainwave patterns back toward healthy function | Manages symptoms (e.g., pain, mood, attention) | Processes trauma, emotions, and coping strategies | Restores daily functioning, coordination, and independence |
| Evidence-Based for TBI | ✔ Yes – especially effective in mild to moderate TBI | ✔ Yes – widely used for symptom management | ✔ Yes – useful for emotional and psychological impact | ✔ Yes – key in functional recovery |
| Non-Invasive | ✔ Yes | ✘ No – chemical intervention | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Side Effects | Minimal to none | Possible (e.g., fatigue, nausea, emotional changes) | Minimal | Minimal to none |
| Addresses Root Brain Patterns | ✔ Yes – works directly with brainwave activity | ✘ No – symptom-focused | ✘ No – addresses thoughts and emotions | ✘ No – focuses on physical/cognitive rehab |
| Duration of Benefits | Long-lasting with consistent sessions | Short-term unless ongoing use | Medium to long-term with continued use | Depends on severity and consistency |
| Custom-Tailored | ✔ Yes – based on individual brain maps | ✘ Standardized doses and prescriptions | ✔ Yes – sessions are client-guided | ✔ Yes – based on individual functional needs |
| Supports Brain Healing | ✔ Yes – promotes neuroregulation and plasticity | ✘ Manages symptoms but doesn’t address healing | ✔ Yes – supports emotional adaptation | ✔ Yes – retrains brain and body skills |
| Typical Treatment Duration | 30–40 sessions (can vary) | Ongoing as needed | Weekly sessions over several months | Varies depending on injury severity |
Research Supporting Neurofeedback for TBI Therapy
1) Arroyo-Ferrer et al. (2021). "Cognitive Rehabilitation in a Case of Traumatic Brain Injury Using EEG-Based Neurofeedback in Comparison to Conventional Methods." Journal of Integrative Neuroscience.
Summary: This case study compared traditional neuropsychological rehabilitation with EEG neurofeedback. The neurofeedback protocol led to notable improvements in attention, visuospatial skills, and processing speed, supporting EEG neurofeedback as an effective tool in TBI recovery.
2) Bennett et al. (2018). "Clinical and Biochemical Outcomes Following EEG Neurofeedback Training in Traumatic Brain Injury in the Context of Spontaneous Recovery." Clinical EEG and Neuroscience.
Summary: In a clinical study of 60 TBI patients, those who received alpha-theta neurofeedback showed significant reductions in cognitive and emotional symptoms, perceived stress, and cortisol levels, indicating neurofeedback’s benefits for emotional and physiological recovery after TBI.
3) White et al. (2022). "Treating Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Combining Neurofeedback and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in a Single Case Study." Clinical EEG and Neuroscience.
Summary: This case report described improved cognition, emotional regulation, and quality of life in a severe TBI patient using a combined protocol of EEG neurofeedback and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
4) Dehghani et al. (2022). "Neural Modulation Enhancement Using Connectivity-Based EEG Neurofeedback with Simultaneous fMRI for Emotion Regulation." arXiv Preprint.
Summary: While not TBI-specific, this study on connectivity-based EEG neurofeedback with simultaneous fMRI demonstrates enhanced neural connectivity and improved emotional regulation, suggesting potential applicability for addressing emotional dysregulation in TBI rehabilitation.
5) Du Bois et al. (2021). "Neurofeedback with Low-Cost, Wearable Electroencephalography (EEG) Reduces Symptoms in Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." Journal of Affective Disorders.
Summary: This study showed significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, including emotional dysregulation and hyperarousal, using low-cost, wearable EEG neurofeedback. Given the overlap in symptoms with TBI, the findings suggest its potential relevance for TBI care.