Thalamo-Cortical Inhibitory Discharge

Suppression of seizures in an epileptic following sensorimotor EEG feedback training

Previous studies of a 12–14 c/sec slow wave rhythm localized to sensorimotor cortex in the cat indicated its functional relationship to thalamo-cortical inhibitory discharge, suppression of phasic motor behavior and suppression of drug-induced convulsions. Investigations in man showed the presence of a similar rhythm in rolandic cortex. Biofeedback techniques for the operant conditioning of this rhythm developed in studies of the cat provided a basis for similar EEG feedback training in man. The functional characteristics mentioned above suggested that this training could be of some benefit in the treatment of epilepsy. This communication reports preliminary findings from such a study in a 23-year-old female subject with moderately controlled major motor seizures of frontoparietal origin. Biofeedback training of this sensorimotor rhythm resulted in a striking enhancement of the rhythm's occurrence, differentiation from simultaneously recorded alpha rhythm activity, and a marked suppression of seizures. Changes in sleep patterns and personality were noted also.