Learn more about the following:
Pain
No, chronic pain is very real and should never be dismissed as such. Chronic pain is a condition defined by the IASP, being recognised by the latest revision of the WHO‘s ICD*.
Chronic pain is classified into two main categories:
- Chronic Primary Pain – where there’s no medical condition that directly causes the pain, the chronic pain is considered the disease itself. E.g., fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), chronic migraine and chronic low back pain.
- Chronic Secondary Pain – where the pain is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, the chronic pain is considered a consequence of another illness. E.g., chronic pain relating to cancer, arthritis, nerve damage and surgery.
The classification above, aims to improve the representation of chronic pain conditions in primary healthcare and facilitate better diagnosis, treatment, and research in pain management. And yes, it is possible for both categories of chronic pain to occur simultaneously.
* International Association for the Study of Pain. (2021). Definitions of Chronic Pain Syndromes. International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). https://www.iasp-pain.org/advocacy/definitions-of-chronic-pain-syndromes/
Neurofeedback
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive technique used to record the electrical activity of the brain. This activity is generated by the billions of neurons that make up the brain. By attaching electrodes to the scalp, EEG can measure and record these electrical signals, which are then visualized as waveforms on a computer screen.
* Niedermeyer, E., & Lopes da Silva, F. H. (2005). Electroencephalography: Basic principles, clinical applications, and related fields. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
EEG Neurofeedback is a non-invasive technique that helps train the brain to improve its function. It uses sensors on the scalp to measure brainwave activity and provides real-time feedback to help the brain learn to regulate itself.
Yes, EEG neurofeedback is generally considered safe. It’s a non-invasive technique that doesn’t involve any electrical stimulation or medication. The sensors placed on the scalp merely measure brainwave activity, providing feedback to help the brain self-regulate.
Alevia uses EEG neurofeedback to change the way the brain responds to pain. Brain activity is recorded by Alevia’s custom-designed EEG headset and sent to an app to provide feedback. The feedback is displayed in such a manner as to reward users for being in a mental state that encourages their brain to moderate pain more effectively. This process is called neuromodulation and it’s how Alevia is able to retrain your brain to reduce your pain.
Because Alevia is a passive device, there are almost no side effects. However, some patients might feel tired after a session or a little fatigued or have a mild headache after concentrating for the 30 minute session. No lasting or serious side effects have ever been reported.
Neither. Pain is a sensation that our brains generate in response to a perceived danger to our bodies. Alevia trains the brain to respond more appropriately to the nerve signals going to your brain which results in perceiving and therefore experiencing less pain. The reduction in pain is very unique to everyone. If you have concerns, you should consult your specialist to understand if you may benefit more using Alevia in conjunction with other treatments such as physcial therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy or medication.