Neurofeedback in Migraine Treatment, it's Difference from Biofeedback

"Neurofeedback (NFB), also called neurotherapy, neurobiofeedback or EEG biofeedback (EEGBF) is a therapy technique that presents the user with realtime feedback on brainwave activity, as measured by sensors on the scalp, typically in the form of a video display, sound or vibration."

It's often confused with biofeedback and for a good reason - they are closely related. To tell them apart, use this rule of thumb - if there are any electrodes placed on the scalp and some sort of measurement of electrical activity produced by the brain is fed to a computer, chances are it's a neurofeedback. If it's done with thermometers - it's most likely a biofeedback.

Both biofeedback and neurofeedback can be used together and serve a similar purpose. As one article put it - "It is like watching your brain waves wave ... and then waving back at them."

The underlying idea is to achieve an awareness of a biological process which, in turn, will lead to control of that process.

The whole idea might sound a bit shady but apparently it does work for some folks. If we think of it as an assisted awareness-type meditation, it does make some sense.

Here's a video of a migraine patient who saw some improvement in her condition with using neurofeedback treatment:



BTW, quick note to our Irish readers - there is a neurofeedback treatment center now opened in Limerick. Check here for details.

A couple of links for farther reading:

Limerick first to offer brainwave treatment

SMART BrainGames

Joan had the typical migraines, but had an unusually happy ending