[Neurofeedback-based EEG alpha and EEG beta training. Effectiveness in patients with chronically decompensated tinnitus].
BACKGROUND
Persisting tinnitus is an often devastating disease condition with restricted and rarely successful therapeutic options.


METHODS
The present study investigates the therapeutic effect of short term neurofeedback-based EEG-Alpha- and EEG-Beta-training in 40 patients suffering from "chronic decompensated tinnitus". Patients were assigned to the Alpha or Beta group according to results of an initial EEG monitored stress-test. Four patients were excluded because they showed abnormal reactions in both EEG patterns.


RESULTS
During 12 sessions, 23 patients succeeded to increase EEG Alpha activity by 16% (p< or =0.042) while 13 patients achieved no decrease of EEG Beta activity. However, both groups showed a significant reduction of subjective tinnitus annoyance by the end of the therapy (p< or =0.001)


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that neurofeedback may represent a new promising technique in the therapy of chronic decompensated tinnitus. However, it remains to be established whether the reduction of tinnitus annoyance results from the altered brain activity patterns supported by the neurofeedback learning process.
Schenk
S
S
Institut und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin, Psychotherapie und Medizinische Psychologie, Klinikum rechts der Isar, München.
Lamm
K
K
Gündel
H
H
Ladwig
K-H
KH
D000328:Adult; D000513:Alpha Rhythm / Q000379:methods*; D001611:Beta Rhythm / Q000379:methods*; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome