Immediate effect of neurofeedback training on the pain matrix and cortical areas involved in processing neuropsychological functions

Hasan, M. A., Vuckovic, A. , Qazi, S. A., Yousuf, Z., Shahab, S. and Fraser, M. (2021) Immediate effect of neurofeedback training on the pain matrix and cortical areas involved in processing neuropsychological functions. Neurological Sciences, 42(11), pp. 4551-4561. (doi: 10.1007/s10072-021-05125-1) (PMID:33624179)

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Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the impact of neurofeedback training on the deeper cortical structures that comprise the “pain matrix” and are involved in processing neuropsychological functions. Methods: Five paraplegic patients with central neuropathic pain received up to 40 sessions of neurofeedback training. They were asked to simultaneously modulate the relative power of the theta, alpha and beta bands, provided as a feedback from the sensorimotor cortex. The source localization technique was applied on EEG data recorded with 16 electrodes placed over the whole head. Results: Neurofeedback training from the sensorimotor cortex induced effects on the pain matrix and in the areas involved in processing neuropsychological functions such as memory, executive functions and emotional regulations. Alpha and beta band activity was most increased in insular, cingulate and frontal cortex regions, and other areas corresponding to executive and emotional function processing. Theta band decreases were noted in the frontal, cingulate and motor cortices. In group analysis, theta and beta band activity was significantly reduced. Conclusion: The single channel electroencephalogram-based neurofeedback training produced effects on similar areas that are targeted in 19 channels standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography and expensive time-delayed functional magnetic resonance imaging feedback studies.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Vuckovic, Dr Aleksandra
Authors: Hasan, M. A., Vuckovic, A., Qazi, S. A., Yousuf, Z., Shahab, S., and Fraser, M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
Journal Name:Neurological Sciences
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:1590-1874
ISSN (Online):1590-3478
Published Online:23 February 2021

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
164245Neurofeedback for treatent of neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injuryAleksandra VuckovicMedical Research Council (MRC)G0902257ENG - Biomedical Engineering