Traumatic Brain Injury: Is Neurofeedback the Best Available Therapy?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be easily diagnosed in the case of major head trauma with positive structural imaging findings (MRI-, CTof the brain). Unfortunately, if the injuries are subtle-no major alteration of the consciousness—making the diagnosis of mild TBI (mTBI) can be more challenging. More recently, electrical imaging called quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) has been useful in confirming mTBI diagnosis [1-3]. Despite the relatively high occurrence of TBI's, the available therapies for this condition are limited-relying primarily on symptomatic treatment and with unsatisfactory results. Chronic sequela of TBI include neurological impairments (cognitive deficits such as ADD-like symptoms, seizures, headaches, weakness, numbness and/or balance problems) and are frequently associated with psychiatric dysfunction (depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.). Pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy are frequently employed in the rehabilitation of these patients.