Biofeedback: Spectral Analysis
Abstract 2:
A Neurobehavioral Approach for Treatment of Complex Partial Epilepsy: Efficacy
Rationale: This is a retrospective study of the efficacy of a comprehensive
multidisciplinary neurobehavioral treatment program for complex partial
epilepsy.
Methods: 11 patients with uncontrolled complex partial seizures (CPS) were
treated with a short term treatment protocol. 5 patients had been referred to
medical centers for evaluation of surgical treatment of their seizure disorders but chose to participate in our treatment program instead. The program consisted of five intensive consecutive days followed by weekly telephone contact for 6 months and an additional 6 months of monitoring seizure logs and journal entries. Treatment included a 4 hour neurologic evaluation, muscle and EEG biofeedback monitoring and in depth exploration of seizure precipitants (triggers) and pre-seizure warnings. Patients were taught behavioral interventions to use both on a daily basis and at the time of pre-seizure warnings.
Results: Pretreatment seizure frequency ranged from 1 to 15 per month with a mean of 3.95 and median of 2. Post treatment seizure frequency was 0/month
for the 9 patients who experienced <4 seizures/month prior to treatment and 2
per month for the 2 patients who experienced >12 seizures/month prior to
treatment. After the 24 month treatment period all patients experienced a
significant reduction of medication dosage. 3 of the 11 patients demonstrated a high level of achievement in the arts and 2 a high level of achievement in computer sciences which were enhanced post treatment. The implications of this quality of life improvement will be discussed especially as it relates to the question of surgical versus behavioral options for patients with uncontrolled CPS.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates the efficacy of a comprehensive
neurobehavioral approach in reducing seizure frequency and improving quality of life for patients with complex partial epilepsy.