Exsurgo’s Chief Science Advisor, Christine Ozolins, presented a case study of an Axon user at the British Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (BSPRM) in November 2024, highlighting the promising use of home-based EEG neurofeedback for managing chronic primary pain.
The study focuses on a 56-year-old female who had suffered from chronic primary pain for 30 years, experiencing severe pain, low mood, reduced mobility, and poor quality of life. Traditional analgesics have caused distressing side effects, including sensory impairment and attentional deficits.
The Axon neurofeedback system, a novel home-based portable device, was used in this case study. The system consists of an EEG headset and a mobile/tablet-based software app offering neurofeedback training in the form of games. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive technique that trains individuals to regulate brain activity, inducing neuroplastic changes that can improve pain processing and emotional well-being. The participant interacted with her EEG activity recorded at C4, which was transmitted in real-time via Bluetooth to the Axon app. The Axon system is designed to treat primary and secondary symptoms associated with chronic pain.
The treatment protocol in this case study involved a 12-week neurofeedback intervention followed by a 12-week maintenance period. The participant was trained to upregulate her relative alpha power above a baseline threshold, with visual and auditory rewards provided for successful alpha modulation.
Results from the study were highly encouraging:
- Pain: Significant reduction in average pain scores was observed throughout the intervention and follow-up periods.
- Anxiety and Stress: Substantial decreases in anxiety and stress levels were noted.
- Depression: Significant reduction in depression scores was seen from Week 4 onwards.
- Activity: Activity levels increased significantly from Week 8.
- Sleep: A steady improvement in sleep quality was observed, although not statistically significant
- EEG: EEG data analysis revealed significant upregulation of resting-state relative alpha, suggesting neuroplastic changes in brain networks associated with pain perception and regulation. Additionally, a reduction in high-beta and an increase in theta activity were observed, indicating positive changes in networks related to anxiety, stress, and calmness.
Qualitative findings from the participants’ interviews highlighted crucial improvements. One of the notable comments from the patient after using Axon is:
“Chronic pain made me feel worthless and useless, it made me feel down – the fun goes out of life…but there’s been a massive change… I feel different inside myself, I feel better inside my head space. I feel happier and I’m able to do more things like spend time with my grandchildren”.
The participant’s comment is like an indication of the transformative power of the neurofeedback-based Axon system. The participant reported a significant reduction in medication use, improved mental health, and increased functionality, all contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
The significance of the Axon system in this context is immense. Chronic pain affects approximately 28 million people in the UK, and current interventions have limited efficacy. The Axon system offers a non-pharmacological, safe, and effective neuromodulation technique that leverages operant conditioning principles to promote self-regulation of brain activity.
Unlike traditional neurofeedback treatments, which are often restricted to university studies or expensive clinics, the Axon system provides a home-based solution. This accessibility allows for more frequent and convenient sessions, potentially leading to more substantial and lasting improvements. The case study demonstrates that home-based EEG neurofeedback, specifically using the Axon system, can be a valuable tool for the long-term management of chronic pain symptoms. It offers patients and clinicians a cost-effective, non-invasive option that can be integrated into comprehensive treatment plans addressing the biopsychosocial model of chronic pain.
In conclusion, this poster presentation highlights the potential of the Axon system as a groundbreaking approach to chronic pain management. By providing an accessible, home-based solution, opens up new possibilities for patients suffering from chronic pain to improve their quality of life and reduce reliance on pharmacological interventions.