Researchers are investigating the use of brain mapping technology to examine the connections between different regions in the brain of stroke patients.

In her 2010 review of this study led by Alexandre Carter, MD, PhD , a neurologist at Washington University, in St. Louis , Emily Singer states, “Stroke patients typically undergo an MRI to identify the precise location of their stroke. But these brain scans don’t show how the damaged part of the brain fits into the larger network–the neural connections that feed into and out of this spot. Just as a delay at one station of a subway system can affect service at numerous stops and subway lines, dysfunction in a localized part of the brain disrupts activity in several different parts.  In the new study, researchers assessed this disruption by creating a functional connectivity map of the brain in people who had recently suffered a stroke.”  Also according to Singer, “Mapping brain connectivity and recovery may give scientists a better measure of which treatments most effectively enhance the brain’s innate plasticity–its ability to rewire–and when the brain is best primed for repair.”

Here at ANC, measuring the brain’s connectivity measures with a QEEG is a standard part of the assessment process for all clients.

This is a 2005 video interview with Linda Thompson, PhD, one of the foremost experts in the Neurofeedback field.  In this interview she discusses the role of medication vs. Neurofeedback, and then she goes on to discuss Neurofeedback for ADHD & Autistic spectrum disorders.
Thompson Interview

Earlier this month, at the 8th annual International Oncology Conference, Dr. Jean Alvarez presented results of her research study using Neurofeedback to improve the symptoms of cognitive impairment from Chemo therapy.

For those who undergo chemotherapy a condition that is frequently referred to as “chemo-brain” or “chemo-fog” can develop. This is where patients report a kind of mental “fogginess” and this can result in measurable declines in cognitive function during treatment, and the condition can continue after chemo treatment is completed.

In the Medscape Medical News review of the presentation, Dr Alvarez reports, “Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy, has the potential to reduce or even reverse the cognitive impairment associated with chemotherapy, according to the results of a pilot study.”

In this study they found significant improvement in cognitive function, perceived impairment, quality of life, depression, and sleep medication use. Dr Alvarez reported that 91% (21 of 23) of the study participants improved at a statistically significant level (p<.001) in all four cognitive measures assessed. This is ground-breaking work in the field of Neurofeedback; and this may well be the first study of its kind evaluating the effectiveness of Neurofeedback for improvement of chemo-fog with cancer patients. To read the full review click here