Portable neurofeedback system for treatment of central neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury: BRAIN TRAIN
University of Glasgow & Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow, Award: £16,048, Date of Award: October 2015
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) affects person’s ability to move and feel sensation from the body. SCI is also an indirect cause of a persistent pain, called Central Neuropathic Pain. This pain typically develops several months after the injury. In 30- 40% of SCI patients, severe central neuropathic pain affects their everyday living including sleep and mood. Although central neuropathic pain feels as if it is coming from the paralysed part of the body, it is actually generated in the brain. We developed a system for neurofeedback, brain training using inexpensive wearable wireless electroencephalographic device and a tablet, which costs under £1000. The system uses the same programme as a system that we clinically tested with large and expensive laboratory device. The aim of the project is to assess the potential of a home based patient/caregiver managed therapy for central neuropathic pain using an inexpensive wearable neurorehabilitation system.