Pain Management Using Mobile Technology in Veterans With PTSD and TBI

Up to half of military veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) also suffer from
co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Both are linked to higher risk of chronic
pain, one of the most common health complaints among U.S. veterans who served in Operation
Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq), and Operation New Dawn
(OEF/OIF/OND). However, pain medications elevate risk of opioid abuse, and studies indicate
that veterans perceive barriers to traditional mental health treatments. Little research
exists regarding non-pharmacological, technology-based interventions designed to reduce pain
in veterans with PTSD and TBI. Mobile technology used to implement neurofeedback (EEG
biofeedback) shows promise in providing a portable, low-cost intervention for reducing pain
in veterans with co-occurring disorders. We aim to test the feasibility and effectiveness of
using mobile neurofeedback devices for reducing pain symptoms in veterans with PTSD and TBI.
Veterans with PTSD, TBI, and chronic pain will receive a NeuroSky headset (which reads EEG
brain waves) and an iPod Touch with an app called Mobile Neurofeedback (which provides
neurofeedback to induce relaxation). Veterans are taught how to use these together to do
neurofeedback themselves at home for 12 weeks. Guided by existing research and preliminary
data, we hypothesize that participants will show high levels of adherence to the NeuroSky +
Mobile Neurofeedback intervention for the 3-month study duration and that participants will
show statistically significant reduction in pain symptoms at 3 months compared to baseline.
Given links between pain and other outcomes in veterans, we will also explore effects on drug
abuse, violence, and suicidality. When the research is complete, the field will be changed
because we will know whether new technology reading EEG brainwaves can be used to treat
symptoms among individuals suffering from chronic pain. We will also know whether
neurofeedback shows promise as an effective intervention for veterans with PTSD and TBI to
reduce pain and related outcomes. If this program of research is successful, its impact will
be to shift approaches to managing pain in clinical practice, for both veterans and civilians