STUDY TITLE: EEG Biofeedback for Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS: Mary Lee Esty, LCSW-C, Ph.D. and David Keyser, Ph.D.
SPONSORS:Brain Wellness and Biofeedback Center of Washington & Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
For Qualifying Veterans With Exposure
to Blast Events &/or Loss of Consciousness
A study of EEG biofeedback, a non-invasive, medication-free therapy, for symptoms associated with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Participants need not discuss trauma-related events.
Participation provided at no cost.
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Qualifications:
• Between Ages 20-65
• Service in Iraq or Afghanistan Theaters
• Diagnosis of TBI or PTSD from military service
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Exclusions:
• Uncontrolled seizures
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Uncontrolled asthma
• Untreated sleep apnea
• Uncontrolled substance abuse
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Participants will first receive a comprehensive assessment at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) Traumatic Injury Research Program of the Department of Defense. This is a two-hour assessment.
Participants may then be eligible to receive up to 20 regularly scheduled1/2-hour EEG biofeedback treatment sessions, two to three times a week in Bethesda. Brief forms will be completed at each session and there will be follow-up USUHS assessments at three and six months.
Participants may continue current medications, myofascial work, massage, acupuncture and/or psychotherapy already in place, but are asked to not add any new medications or therapies during the duration of this study.
If you meet the above criteria and are interested in participating in this study, please contact:
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Mary Lee Esty, Ph.D.
Brain Wellness & Biofeedback Center of Washington
7910 Woodmont Ave, Suite 305
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 215-7721
info@brainwellnessandbiofeedback.com
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David Keyser, Ph.D.
Department of Defense
Traumatic Injury Research Program
Dept of Military and Emergency Medicine
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 295-3467
david.keyser.ctr@usuhs.mil
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Click here for printable study flyer
VIDEO: An interview with a participant from the original brain injury study.
Teresa from Lisa Sanfuentes on
Vimeo.
STUDY TITLE: Flexyx Neurotherapy System Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Mary Lee Esty, LCSW-C, PhD
SPONSOR: Brain Wellness and Biofeedback Center of Washington
7910 Wodmont Ave. #305
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 215-7721
PURPOSE: NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW PARTICIPANTS
Participants were invited to join in this research study because they had been diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether a relatively new treatment method called the Flexyx Neurotherapy System (FNS) is
effective for reducing TBI and PTSD symptoms. About 15 persons took part in this study at the Brain Wellness and Biofeedback Center of Washington.
PROCEDURES:
Participants were asked to complete some research questionnaires about their symptoms, including cognitive issues (e.g., attention, concentration,
problems), emotions/mood, fatigue, pain, and sleep. Then they had an
interview to see if they met the initial criteria for being included in the study. This took about one hour and included a psychosocial history,
review of their medical condition, and some questions about their emotional status. Then an evaluation of their brainwave (electroencephalogram or EEG)
functioning (also called “mapping”) was conducted. The evaluation session took a total of about 2½ hours for the complete process including
questionnaires.
Over a period of eight to nine months, each participant did the following. In addition to the screening procedures described above, there
were one-half hour treatment sessions two or three times per week over a period of two to three months for a total of 25 treatment sessions. During the 12th and 25th sessions, and again
at 3- and 6-month follow-up, there was a repeat of the EEG mapping, and they were asked to again complete the same
questionnaires.
They were also asked to complete some of the research questionnaires every five sessions and at the 3- and 6-month follow-up sessions. Also, at each
treatment session they were asked to complete three short questionnaires.
FOR STUDY RESULTS, CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING ABSTRACTS:
"Neurotherapy of TBI/PTSD in OEF/OIF Veterans." Esty ML and Nelson D. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 21:221-223, 2009.
VIEW ABSTRACT HERE
"Neurotherapy for Chronic TBI/PTSD Symptoms in Vietnam Veterans." Nelson, D and Esty, ML. The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, (24)5, 403, 2009.
VIEW ABSTRACT HERE
"Neurotherapy for pain in veterans with trauma spectrum disorders." Nelson, D and Esty, ML. The Journal of Pain, 10:S18, 2009.
VIEW ABSTRACT HERE |
