The StoPain Trial: EEG neurofeedback for chronic neuropathic pain in people with a Spinal Cord Injury

The StoPain Trial is a randomised controlled trial to
determine if a form of biofeedback known as EEG
neurofeedback can help reduce chronic neuropathic pain.

Evidence from previous studies suggests that the
development of chronic neuropathic pain is associated with changes in electrical brain activity. EEG neurofeedback has been used to reduce pain by regulating the abnormal brain activity that is associated with ongoing pain.

In StoPain, by interacting with a computer game while wearing an EEG headset to measure and record brain activity, we will examine if people with chronic neuropathic pain can learn to gain control over their brain activity in a way that reduces their pain.

Participants will be randomised to either a treatment
group or a control group. In the treatment group
participants will complete daily 15-min sessions of EEG neurofeedback for 20 days over a 4-week period. Participants in the control group will continue with all the treatment options that they would normally have access to in the community.

The study also involves completing online questionnaires at 5 different timepoints. The total time commitment will be 12 months.

The trial is homebased so anyone across Australia can participate.

If you are interested, there is an opportunity for you to have an MRI scan as part of the trial. This is not
compulsory - you can still participate in the trial if you
prefer not to have one.

All travel and accommodation costs (for you and your
carer) are completely covered, if you attend an MRI
session.

To register your interest, please complete and submit the form. The research team will contact you as soon as possible.