Slow Cortical Potential Neurofeedback in Chronic Tinnitus

Has anyone ever tried a similar therapy?

Slow Cortical Potential Neurofeedback in Chronic Tinnitus Therapy: A Case Report

I have an opportunity to try it at the clinic owned by the author of this publication. I’m curious to know if anyone has experienced any adverse effect.

 

What is the actual therapy? It looks like of interest to me. Are they working with you to learn to control some of your neural networks?

 

Seems exactly this, to learn to control or influence one's neural excitability. Problem is they recommend 30 sessions 1.5h each, and the site is a 4h drive from my place, so it’s a challenge logistically.

 

Where is it?

 

Warsaw, Poland. I’m in Krakow.

 

Czesc Mentos, do you know, or does anyone know the difference between Neurofeedback and "Slow Cortical Potential Neurofeedback"? I don't get it.

I remember that a pharmacist told me that Neurofeedback might maybe help me. But sessions cost around €70 and aren't covered by social healthcare.

I read on the Internet that there seems to be no evidence that Neurofeedback is effective (not only with tinnitus but in general).

So I've been reluctant to try it.

 

Is this the same as Neurofeedback?

 

Probably just slower.

 

I tried Neurofeedback which was customized to my EEG results. I had approx 40-50 sessions. It had no effect on my mood or tinnitus at all. It's not effective in my eyes.

 

40-50 sessions omg! If I had to do so many sessions it would cost me €3,500

 

That's a big what if. I'd gladly sell everything I own for a cure.

 

I tried Neurofeedback years ago. It was not effective.

 

Bonjour, I don't know the details either, only what I managed to read in the publication. What I understood they try to address specific qEEG abnormality related to Slow Cortical Potentials with dedicated Neurofeedback method for tinnitus. When I asked other popular Neurofeedback center in my area about it they replied they know SCP theory, but they don't offer SCP treatment (without disclosing the reason). So it seems SCP Neurofeedback is unique but kill me I have no idea about the detailed differences. They told me about 30 sessions would be required, 1.5h each. It's around 25 EUR each, total would be around 750 EUR.

It's logistics causing trouble since I have a regular job and little child to care for and I can't afford 6 weeks from home, hence I'm trying to find another Neurofeedback center in my town that would be interested to implement this method.

 

I will be starting “Infraslow” Neurofeedback that is specifically designed for tinnitus. They actually have 2 programs, one for “with hearing loss” and “without”. I live in the United States (Pennsylvania) and fortunately this clinic is 20 minutes from my home. I have to get brain mapping done this or next week, then start the Neurofeedback 2x a week for at least 3-4 weeks, and then reevaluate.

 

Hi, @ErikaS. I'm in PA also - where is the clinic you're referring to? Do they claim any worthwhile improvements?

Thanks!

 

Hey there,

It is located in Pittsburgh, PA. It is called Social Emotional Change LLC and I have been in conversation with Amy Lewis. They have seen and reported significant improvements with many clients, however each client is different and has different situations surrounding their tinnitus. I specifically asked her about reactive tinnitus and if they have had any clients with that, and she said they have and not only at their practice but others, many have reported decrease in reactivity and tinnitus. The below was an example of a tech report of a client to give me an idea.

Here is a training response trajectory from a case study written up by one of our techs. I can't give more context, and it is a nonreactive tinnitus, but it's a good illustration, though NOT a prediction.

Background

• Tinnitus profoundly intrusive
• Started 2 years ago
• Loss of quality of life
• Extremely sad and depressed
• Passive suicidal ideation

Training

• Tinnitus With Loss (TWL)

Results

• Tinnitus reduction after 4 sessions (less loud)
• Tinnitus gone for hours at a time after 8 sessions
• Tinnitus gone for days at a time after 15 sessions
• Tinnitus gone for most of the week after 30 sessions

 

I will watch with interest but ask them for a:

1) published study
2) scientific explanation of how it works

I'm calling bullshit at the moment but will await your progress report.

 

Thanks a lot - very interested to see how it goes. I'll probably contact them myself directly for more information too.

FYI, I'm near Harrisburg so a bit further away but very doable.

 

No problem! I am also pairing craniosacral therapy with this. It’s a long story but although my tinnitus started with an ear infection in September, I had very traumatic events happen 2 months beforehand, and also a 3-year infertility journey on top of that, so even though it started with an ear infection, I truly believe stresses and trauma surrounding the event made me very susceptible to getting tinnitus. Then with it not going away and getting worse, leading to severe mental distress, the negative feedback loop spiraled. I’m determined to improve this, and being 3 months in I feel like it’s my best shot now rather than waiting.

 

What happened with this?

 

Hey @Uklawyer, I stopped cranial sacral once I realized it wouldn’t help objectively calm my tinnitus from SSHL. It allowed me to relax some while doing it, and even more so balanced out hormones for me and aided sleep, but I stopped once I felt I received all that it would have to offer me at this point.

I have had 4 sessions of the Neurofeedback tinnitus protocol. I agreed to do an engaging parasympathetic protocol and calming sympathetic protocol before moving into the tinnitus protocol, which I kind of regret now, but I will say after my 4th session for the tinnitus protocol I am getting some “changes” and fluctuations that are different than what I am used to. It’s hard to put finger on it, but I feel like if I continue tinnitus protocol, I could find it beneficial. Her family member who had tinnitus since they were a teen (now 70 years old), then got much worse after COVID-19 virus, did around 15-20 tinnitus protocol sessions with her, and they themselves said they noticed a significant difference and quality of life very much improved. They have to go back every 3 months or so for “maintenance”, but doing much better.

 

Hi Erika,

How many Neurofeedback sessions are you planning on doing and how far apart are they recommended to be?

 

Heu @Stayinghopeful, I will probably do 15ish. I did take a brief pause as I am about to do another intervention that was timely. If/when I continue it, I will update.

 

@Nick47, it’s actually quite difficult to get a study or clinical trial (large enough to have validity) without a lot of funding, like drug companies have.

Medicine does not have to be evidence-based to be meaningful and effective.