A Feasibility study of EEG Neurofeedback in Chronic Migraine
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Feasibility study of Electroencephalogram (EEG) Neurofeedback in Chronic Migraine
IRAS ID
185322
Contact name
Raeburn Forbes
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study aims to assess the feasibility of EEG neurofeedback in the treatment of Chronic Migraine. Neurofeedback is a method of brain-training which allows a patient to gain some conscious control over brain function. Neurofeedback can be effective in improving symptoms of attention-deficit disorders, autism and severe epilepsy. It is carried out using standard, non-invasive EEG techniques and is based on a well understood method of learning called operant conditioning.
In this study we are wanting to find out if there are common patterns of abnormal brain wave pattern specific to people with Chronic Migraine (a severe form of migraine where pain is present at a severe level on a daily basis in spite of drug treatment). If such changes can be identified, the EEG neurofeedback should be tested formally in a clinical trial as a potential treatment for drug resistant migraine.
Study participants will be recruited from Neurology Clinics of the Southern HSC Trust. The participants will be given a one hour appointment in Craigavon Area Hospital at which their EEG recording will take place.
We aim to assess 16 Chronic Migraine patients, and will analyse their data to identify common problems in brain function which we might link to their migraine symptoms. If a common pattern emerges then there will be a rational basis for performing a randomised clinical trial.
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EE/0265
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion