Neurofeedback as a remediation for late neurocognitive sequelae in survivors of childhood brain tumours: a pilot study

Treatment-induced neurotoxicity by operation, chemotherapy and radiotherapy
causes often neurocognitive deficits in childhood braintumour survivors. These
deficits exist of problems with attention, speed, memory and
visuoconstructiveness. The neurocognitive deficits have major consequences in
daily life and interfere in school perfomance, social functioning and growing
up.
Intervention possibilities are still rare for these survivors, whilst these
interventions are essential for this specific group.

The aim is to study if Neurofeedback can be an applicable intervention.for
survivors of childhood brain tumours. The QEEG wil be investigated whether
under or overactive brainareas exist which can be trained. This study will also
investigate whether there will be found improvements in cognitive functioning.
Finally changes in QEEG will be related to cognitive changes.

The design of this study is an pilot intervention study with two measurements,
before and after the intervention. We will examine the applicability of
neurofeedback on this group.

20 sessions neurofeedback

This intervention is not invasive and the child will stay in control, while the
childs own skills will improve.
There will be made a QEEG which will take one and a half hour. A second QEEG
will be made after the neurofeedback training. The neuropsychological
examination will take 3 hours and will be repeated after the training.
The interventionstudy consist of 20 sessions neurofeedback (60 minutes each).
The child sits behind a computer screen and will get attractive feedback (e.g.
a video, game or music) based on their brain activity. The sessions
neurofeedback wil be given twice a week.