Neurofeedback Training for Regulation of Sensorimotor Rhythm in Individuals with Refractory Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormally synchronized electrical discharges. Neurofeedback (NFB) is an operative conditioning technique used to reinforce or inhibit specific frequencies of electroencephalogram (EEG) activity. Augmentation of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) is a common neurofeedback protocol for epilepsy patients. In the present work, we aim to evaluate the espectral outcomes of a neurofeedback protocol based on SMR augmentation in refractory epilepsy patients. The participants underwent five sessions of NFB while having their EEG recorded with a 22-electrode system. The sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) before and after the NFB training differed significantly in the frontal, central electrodes, and in the channel used for training. Our results demonstrate that NFB training can improve regulation of SMR in these patients.