Research on EEG Neurofeedback for Tourette's Syndrome

Society for Neuronal Regulation
9th Annual Conference
Monterey, CA 27-30 October 2001

A Pre-Post Analysis of a Successfully Treated Case of Tourette's Syndrome

Raymond M. Daly
University of Windsor & Neuro-Biofeedback Wellness Centre, Windsor, Ontario, CANADA

The presentation will focus on the analysis of pre-post treatment data obtained from an eight-year-old boy who had been diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome. The client was referred by his family physician in his home city to a major teaching hospital in a neighboring city where specialists in this disorder completed the initial work-up, diagnosis, and conducted a follow-up evaluation six months later. These professionals were totally unaware of the assessment and treatment that transpired during the interim period.

At the pre treatment stage the boy exhibited numerous simple and complex tics, and multiple comorbid conditions including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and a sequel of behavioral problems at home and at school. Uncontrolled bouts of rage and aggressive behavior were a common occurrence. Symptomatic behavior was first reported at age five and had steadily increased in severity and complexity. Numerous behavioral and pharmacological treatments failed to improve his condition.

The pre treatment assessment data included the following: 1) medical diagnostic information, 2) multi-modal psychological measures, 3) behavioral analyses across multiple contexts, 4) psycho-educational achievement measures, and 5) a QEEG evaluation. The post treatment assessment repeated the majority of the pre treatment measures.

After 35 one and a half-hour NeuroBioFeedback sessions, administered over a 15-week period, all the presenting symptoms were eliminated. The young man has remained symptom free for eight months.

The successful treatment outcome provides an invaluable opportunity to investigate the multi-level and multi-modal changes in brain and behavior relations that occurred between the pre-post treatment periods. Special consideration will be given to the analysis of QEEG data obtained from two normative databases and complimentary LORETA analyses.

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