Neurofeedback for mTBI and Post Concussion Disorder (PCS)
Neurofeedback is not just an intervention for psychological health but also for neurological disorders. A fascinating and promising area of coverage for neurofeedback benefits is through the promotion of long-term healing following traumatic brain injury, specifically, a type of mTBI (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury) known as post-concussion disorder.
Many people struggling with post-concussion disorder are often told that the only way to heal is through rest and time. This can be incredibly frustrating when navigating the troublesome symptoms that follow this condition and feeling stuck without any sort of solution. Neurofeedback can tackle the dysregulations that follow mTBI and help the brain heal from both emotional and physical trauma.
Some of the common recommendations for healing a concussion are medication, therapy, and rehabilitation. Neurofeedback is a type of cognitive rehabilitation that can treat not only physical but also psychological discomfort following TBI and is a helpful intervention tool to add to someone’s post-concussive treatment plan.
What is neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a novel therapy modality utilizing operant conditioning principles to retrain the brain to regulate itself through a reward-based system of feedback.
At North Austin Neurofeedback, we use audio and/or visual feedback that enables you to adjust the volume and screen settings by regulating your brainwaves. In other words, as your brain approaches a regulated state compared to your baseline, the screen and volume become clear, and as it approaches a dysregulated state, the screen and/or volume dim. So while you're simply watching and paying attention to a streaming service, such as Netflix, your brain is modifying your brainwaves to shift into its optimal state of functioning.
We determine your optimal state by using a diagnostic imaging tool, or QEEG Brain Scan. The scan provides insights for our providers to determine the most effective protocols for your specific mental health symptoms and EEG patterns—a personalized intervention tailored to your current brain health and landscape.
What is a concussion/mTBI, and post-concussion syndrome?
A concussion occurs when the brain is shaken by a force, causing it to hit the side of the skull. The brain sits inside a protective fluid that separates it from the skull; however, when blunt force trauma occurs, the brain can slam against the hard bone, potentially leading to tearing of brain cells, disrupted connectivity, and interference with communication between regions.
This can create a waterfall of symptoms following the traumatic event. Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is when the side effects from a concussion last more than 3 months post-injury. Some symptoms associated with concussion and PCS include brain fog, headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbance, emotional dysregulation, sensory sensitivity, and cognitive impairment.
What happens to brain waves following a concussion?
When the brain is disrupted by blunt force trauma, it may increase Delta wave activity to promote healing in the area of dysfunction. Additionally, as neuroplasticity occurs, some areas of the brain can become hyperactive or underactive to compensate for damage.
These trickling effects of mTBI can lead to dysregulated oscillations, which may result in ongoing symptoms. So even though the brain is doing what it needs to support healing, the process can also introduce complications in other areas.
What does the research say about neurofeedback for concussion?
The foundation of neurofeedback lies in regulating dysregulated brainwave patterns and helping the brain redirect its energy toward healing and rebuilding disrupted neural connections. A study by Hershaw et al. (2020) demonstrated improvements in attention, memory, and executive functioning in individuals with brain injury, with progress shown in neuropsychological testing three months after completing neurofeedback training.
Other research highlights the benefits of combining neurofeedback with coherence training and breathwork. For example, Lagos et al. (2013) found that incorporating Heart Rate Variability (HRV), another evidence-based biofeedback tool we offer at our facility, was effective in reducing post-concussive headaches and improving autonomic regulation.
It’s also important to recognize the emotional toll of a concussion. An mTBI isn’t just physically disruptive; it can also lead to emotional and psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. One study by Dubienski (2016) used the Alpha/Theta protocol, a well-established neurofeedback approach for trauma, in athletes recovering from sports-related concussion. Results showed notable improvements in emotional regulation, including reductions in anxiety, fear, and attention-related symptoms.
Finally, a study by Surmeli et al. (2017) suggests that neurofeedback may offer long-term benefits in brain regulation and recovery after TBI, with many individuals reducing or even eliminating the need for medication as a result.
The Future of Neurofeedback and TBI Treatment
As research continues to grow in the field of neurofeedback, especially for mTBIs like concussion, we are optimistic about the future of brain-based interventions. This is an exciting time in neuroscience, and we’re proud to offer cutting-edge, evidence-informed care at North Austin Neurofeedback.
If you or a loved one is navigating recovery from a concussion or post-concussion syndrome, neurofeedback may be a supportive and empowering step forward. Reach out to us for a free consultation, and learn how your brain can begin the journey toward regulation and relief.
References:
Dubienski, S. (2016). Examining the use of a biofeedback intervention with athletes post-concussion. [Unpublished master’s thesis], University of Manitoba, Winnipeg. https://mspace.lib.umanitoba.ca/xmlui/handle/1993/17111
Hershaw, J., Hill-Pearson, C. A., Arango, J. I., Souvignier, A. R., & Pazdan, R. M. (2020). Changes in attentional processing following neurofeedback in patients with persistent post-concussive symptoms: A pilot study. Brain Injury, 34(13–14), 1723–1731. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699052.2020.1812720
Lagos, L., Thompson, J., & Vaschillo, E. (2013). A preliminary study: Heart rate variability biofeedback for treatment of postconcussion syndrome. Biofeedback, 41(3), 136–143. https://doi.org/10.5298/1081-5937-41.3.02
Surmeli, T., Eralp, E., Mustafazade, I., Kos, I. H., Öz̈er, G. E., & Surmeli, O. H. (2017). Quantitative EEG neurometric analysis-guided neurofeedback treatment in postconcussion syndrome (PCS): Forty cases. How is neurometric analysis important for the treatment of PCS and as a biomarker? Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 48(3), 217–230. https://doi.org/10.1177/1550059416654849
