Neurofeedback and Stroke Patients: A Case Study
A seventy-one-year-old female client, following a stroke, presented with virtual paralysis of the left side of her body, characterized by inability to move her left arm, contracted fist, minimal motor control of her left leg, absence of muscle tonus in left side of face, and slurred, monotonic speech. She required the use of a wheel chair full time, and a great deal of assistance relocating from the chair to her bed.
Client’s EEG revealed excessive theta wave activity in the right hemisphere as measured at C4. Client-specific neurofeedback therapy was initiated, which included theta-wave suppression, and beta and smr-wave enhancement.
The client displayed significant improvement in gross motor control and range of motion in her left arm and leg, with the most dramatic improvements observable in her speech. The woman displayed significant improvement in pronunciation, strength of speech, and range of tone.
Neurofeedback, when utilized in conjunction with physical therapy and medication management, is a fantastic option for individuals suffering from the debilitating and crippling effects of stroke; providing a valuable tool in the improvement of quality of life for stroke survivors.