Rehabilitation After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury with Acute Symptomatic Seizure: Neurofeedback and Motor Therapy in a 6-Month Follow-Up Case Study

TL;DR

This case study shows that combining neurofeedback with motor therapy can improve cognitive and motor recovery in a TBI patient with early seizures.

Contribution

The study demonstrates sustained benefits of neurofeedback and motor therapy in a TBI patient with acute symptomatic seizures.

Findings

qEEG showed reduced Delta and Theta power, indicating improved neural activation and cortical stability.

Neuropsychological improvements in cognition, memory, and visuospatial skills were maintained at 6-month follow-up.

Motor performance and functional independence improved significantly after the combined therapy.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Post-traumatic epileptogenesis is a frequent and clinically relevant consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), often contributing to worsened neurological and functional outcomes. In patients experiencing early post-injury seizures, rehabilitative strategies that support recovery while considering increased epileptogenic risk are needed. This case study explores the potential benefits of combining neurofeedback (NFB) with motor therapy on cognitive and motor recovery. Methods: A patient hospitalized for severe TBI who experienced an acute symptomatic seizure in the early post-injury phase underwent baseline quantitative EEG (qEEG), neuromotor, functional, and neuropsychological assessments. The patient then completed a three-week rehabilitation program (five days/week) including 30 sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) NFB sessions (35 min each) combined with daily one-hour motor therapy. qEEG and clinical assessments were repeated post-intervention and at 6-month follow-up. Results: Post-intervention qEEG showed significant reductions in Delta and Theta power, reflecting decreased cortical slowing and enhanced neural activation. Relative power analysis indicated reduced Theta activity and Alpha normalization, suggesting improved cortical stability. Increases were observed in Beta and High-beta activity, alongside significant reductions in the Theta/Beta ratio, consistent with improved attentional regulation. Neuropsychological outcomes revealed reliable improvements in global cognition, memory, and visuospatial abilities, mostly maintained or enhanced at follow-up. Depressive and anxiety symptoms decreased markedly. Motor and functional assessments demonstrated meaningful improvements in motor performance, coordination, and functional independence. Conclusions: Findings suggest that integrating NFB with motor therapy may support recovery processes and be associated with sustained neuroplastic changes in the early post-injury phase after TBI, a condition associated with elevated risk for post-traumatic epilepsy.

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