EEG biofeedback is also known as EEG-operant conditioning or neurotherapy. In this method, the subject learns to voluntarily control his/her EEG rhythm and thereby gains control over seizures. Initial work done demonstrated on sensory motor rhythm (SMR) of somato-sensory cortex for which biofeedback was initiated .It is still debated that specific cortical rhythm is useful for bio feedback in specific seizures types. Sterman and Friar[23] observed protection against drug-induced seizure in cats following operant conditioning of 11–15 Hz SMR.
Sterman enrolled 174 patients with refractory epilepsy for a study on the efficacy of EEG biofeedback. Of the 174 patients, 142 (82%) showed clinical improvement and 30% became seizure free. On average, there was a reduction of seizure frequency of 50% and also a decrease in seizure severity; 5% of these patients achieved complete control of seizures after 1 year. Advocates of biofeedback point to the evidence of positive effects that has accumulated over the last 25 years. Skeptics say that while it may be useful in some patients, much more data is needed before biofeedback is accepted generally as an option for people with refractory epilepsy.
The instruments and the training required for conducting studies on EEG biofeedback is expensive. The NYU Medical School has enrolled many patients for one such study which is ongoing.