Scientists at UNSW Sydney and Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) are advancing PainWaive, an interactive software designed to alleviate neuropathic pain in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), towards clinical trials slated to begin in 2025. The system employs a headset and accompanying game to monitor and modulate electrical activity in the brain, empowering users to manage pain by regulating abnormal brain activity linked to neuropathic pain.
PainWaive: A Home-Based Intervention
PainWaive distinguishes itself as a home-based intervention, eliminating the need for clinic visits. Professor Sylvia Gustin from UNSW Science emphasizes the importance of accessibility, particularly for individuals with limited mobility or those residing in regional and rural areas with restricted access to healthcare facilities. The system's development incorporated feedback from SCI patients, ensuring its relevance and usability.
Addressing Nerve Pain in Spinal Cord Injury
Neuropathic pain is a significant concern for individuals with SCI, often rated as one of the most debilitating challenges. Studies indicate that 50-70% of SCI patients develop nerve pain in areas with impaired sensation or movement. This intense pain often has limited treatment options, compromising the quality of life for many patients.
EEG Neurofeedback Mechanism
PainWaive leverages electroencephalographic (EEG) neurofeedback, a technique based on the principle that EEG patterns reflect an individual's electrical brain signature. By measuring brain activity in real-time, the system provides feedback that allows the brain to reorganize neural pathways and regulate abnormal brainwaves. While EEG neurofeedback has been used for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and insomnia, its application to chronic pain is a novel area of research.
Interactive Game Design
The PainWaive system comprises a lightweight EEG headset and a tablet-based app featuring interactive neurofeedback games. These games provide visual feedback, guiding participants on how to regulate their brain activity. For example, one game involves a rocket that ascends into the atmosphere when the user's brain enters an optimal state associated with regulating neuropathic pain signals. Users are encouraged to employ mindfulness, positive memories, or visualization techniques to achieve this state.
StoPain Trial Details
The upcoming randomized controlled trial, named StoPain, will evaluate the effectiveness of PainWaive. Participants in the treatment group will use the system for 20 sessions over four weeks. The trial aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the intervention's potential, building on insights gained from a recently completed pilot study.
