<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><sec id="j_joepi-2016-0013_s_001"><h3>Background</h3><p>Biofeedback methods represent side effect free complementary options in the treatment of epilepsy. In this paper we review the current status of these methods in terms of clinical study results and their evaluation by systematic review papers. Possible mechanisms of action in biofeedback methods are discussed.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2016-0013_s_002"><h3>Aim</h3><p>To present the current status of biofeedback methods applied to patients with epilepsy.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2016-0013_s_003"><h3>Material and Methods</h3><p>With a literature search up to 10/2016 we screened publications containing the search terms “biofeedback”, “neurofeedback” or “neurotherapy” and “epilepsy” or “seizure” for intervention and population search terms respectively.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2016-0013_s_004"><h3>Results</h3><p>Four different techniques of biofeedback were used to improve seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy. Three of these techniques, measuring EEG (slow cortical potentials and sensory motor rhythm) or electrodermal activity (galvanic skin response, GSR) seem to be promising methods for successful seizure control. Nevertheless, methodological standards in the conducted trials were too low for assured empirical evidence in their efficacy.</p></sec><sec id="j_joepi-2016-0013_s_005"><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Biofeedback methods could be applied to patients to a greater extent. Probably due to the missing empirical evidence of efficacy and the high demand on patients’ and therapists’ time and commitment and therefore low cost effectiveness, these methods are hardly offered. Especially the relatively new approach of GSR biofeedback represents a promising option here.</p></sec></abstract>

BackgroundBiofeedback methods represent side effect free complementary options in the treatment of epilepsy. In this paper we review the current status of these methods in terms of clinical study results and their evaluation by systematic review papers. Possible mechanisms of action in biofeedback methods are discussed.AimTo present the current status of biofeedback methods applied to patients with epilepsy.Material and MethodsWith a literature search up to 10/2016 we screened publications containing the search terms “biofeedback”, “neurofeedback” or “neurotherapy” and “epilepsy” or “seizure” for intervention and population search terms respectively.ResultsFour different techniques of biofeedback were used to improve seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy. Three of these techniques, measuring EEG (slow cortical potentials and sensory motor rhythm) or electrodermal activity (galvanic skin response, GSR) seem to be promising methods for successful seizure control. Nevertheless, methodological standards in the conducted trials were too low for assured empirical evidence in their efficacy.ConclusionsBiofeedback methods could be applied to patients to a greater extent. Probably due to the missing empirical evidence of efficacy and the high demand on patients’ and therapists’ time and commitment and therefore low cost effectiveness, these methods are hardly offered. Especially the relatively new approach of GSR biofeedback represents a promising option here.

Biofeedback as complementary treatment in patients with epilepsy – an underestimated therapeutic option? Review, results, discussion

Journal of Epileptology

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

BackgroundBiofeedback methods represent side effect free complementary options in the treatment of epilepsy. In this paper we review the current status of...

Biofeedback as complementary treatment in patients with epilepsy – an underestimated therapeutic option? Review, results, discussion

Published Online: Dec 17, 2016

Page range: 173 - 180

Received: Nov 14, 2016

Accepted: Nov 28, 2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21307/joepi-2016-0013

Keywords
biofeedback, neurofeedback, epilepsy, self-control

© 2016 Carmen Uhlmann et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Biofeedback as complementary treatment in patients with epilepsy – an underestimated therapeutic option? Review, results, discussion

Published Online: Dec 17, 2016

Page range: 173 - 180

Received: Nov 14, 2016

Accepted: Nov 28, 2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21307/joepi-2016-0013

Keywordsbiofeedback, neurofeedback, epilepsy, self-control

© 2016 Carmen Uhlmann et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Keywords
biofeedback, neurofeedback, epilepsy, self-control