Home used, Patient Self-Managed, brain Computer Interface for treatment of Central neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury: Feasibility Study

Central Neuropathic Pain (CNP) is a frequent chronic condition in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). In a previous study, we showed that using laboratory brain-computer interface (BCI) technology for neurofeedback training, it is possible to reduce pain in SCI people who suffered from CNP for many years. In this study, we show initial results from 12 people with SCI and CNP who practiced neurofeedback on their own using our portable BCI, consisting of a wearable EEG headset (Emotiv, EPOC, USA) and a computer tablet. Eight participants showed a positive initial response to neurofeedback and seven learned how to use portable BCI on their own at home. In this paper, we present a portable BCI and discuss the main challenges of training lay people, patients and their caregivers, to use a custom designed BCI application at home.

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