Carlson, J., Ross, G.W., Tyrrell, C., Fiame, B., Nunokawa, C., Siriwardhana, C., & Schaper, K. (2025). Infra-low frequency neurofeedback impact on post-concussive symptoms of headache, insomnia and attention disorder: Results of a randomized controlled trial.Explore, 21, 103137. 

Summary / Significance: This newly published randomized controlled trial (2025) reports that individuals (combat veterans with mTBI) receiving infra-low frequency (ILF) neurofeedback had statistically and clinically significant improvements in headaches, sleep quality/insomnia, attention, quality of life, depressive symptoms, and PTSD symptoms, compared to control. The results support ILF-NFB as a promising, non-pharmacological, noninvasive intervention for chronic post-concussion symptoms.  

Elbogen, E.B., Alsobrooks, A., Battles, S., Molloy, K., Dennis, P.A., Beckham, J.C., McLean, S.A., Keith, J.R., & Russoniello, C. (2019). Mobile neurofeedback for pain management in veterans with TBI and Pain Medicine, 22(2), 329–339. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnz269 

Summary / Significance: This open-label, single-arm study demonstrated the feasibility of home-based EEG neurofeedback delivered via portable devices for veterans with chronic pain, TBI, and PTSD. Over a 3-month period, participants reported lower pain intensity, reduced pain interference, decreased depression, fewer PTSD symptoms, less sleep disturbance, anger, and suicidal ideation. No serious adverse events occurred. The study highlights potential for scalable, accessible neurofeedback outside clinical settings.  

Askovic, M., Soh, N., Elhindi, J., & Harris, A.W.F. (2023). Neurofeedback for post-traumatic stress disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and neurophysiological outcomes. European Journal of Psychotraumatology. (E-pub ahead of print) 

Summary / Significance: This meta-analysis of 10 clinical trials (7 RCTs, 3 non-randomized) with a total of 293 participants found that EEG neurofeedback (NFB) significantly reduced PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and depression, with neurophysiological evidence supporting changes in brain function (e.g., normalization of network connectivity, improved brainwave synchrony). The pooled data suggested a strong effect size (SMD ≈ –1.76) and a much higher remission rate in NFB groups (79.3%) versus controls (24.4%), pointing to neurofeedback as a promising adjunct or alternative intervention in trauma populations.  

Van der Kolk, B.A., Hodgdon, H., Gapen, M., Musicaro, R., Suvak, M.K., Hamlin, E., & Spinazzola, J. (2019). A randomized controlled study of neurofeedback for chronic PTSD.PLoS One, 14(4), e0215940. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0215940 

Summary / Significance: In a wait-list controlled trial with 52 individuals with chronic PTSD (28 in NF group, 24 wait-list controls), participants receiving EEG neurofeedback showed reduced PTSD symptom severity and improvements in affect regulation at post-treatment and one-month follow-up. This trial is often cited as foundational for clinical application of neurofeedback in chronic PTSD, demonstrating that NF can reduce core PTSD symptoms in a controlled design.  

Frontiers Psychiatry / Frontiers Human Neuroscience authors (2024–2025). Systematic review of neurofeedback for PTSD — updated evidence and clinical implications. Frontiers in Psychiatry (2024) / Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (2025). 

Summary / Significance: These recent reviews compile data from over a dozen studies, concluding that neurofeedback (EEG-based, fMRI-based, and hybrid) shows clinically meaningful improvements in PTSD symptoms, with effects that often persist post-treatment. They also note that integrating neurofeedback with psychotherapy/pharmacotherapy may enhance outcomes and that clinical guidelines and insurance coverage should be reconsidered to include NF in standard PTSD care. The emergence of fMRI-informed and fMRI-guided EEG protocols strengthens the neurophysiological grounding of NF.  

Highlight Reel of Key Supporting Research

  • 2019: Randomized controlled trial showing EEG neurofeedback significantly reduced chronic PTSD symptoms in a trauma-affected population. (van der Kolk et al., PLoS One)

  • 2019: Feasibility study demonstrating veterans with TBI, PTSD, and chronic pain successfully used mobile neurofeedback at home — reporting reduced pain, sleep problems, depression, and PTSD symptoms. (Elbogen et al., Pain Medicine)

  • 2023: Meta-analysis of 10 neurofeedback trials finding substantial reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and evidence of neurophysiological change (brainwave normalization, connectivity). (Askovic et al., Eur. J. Psychotraumatology)

  • 2025: Recent randomized controlled trial showing infra-low frequency (ILF) neurofeedback significantly improved headaches, sleep, attention, mood, and post-concussive symptoms in veterans with mTBI. (Carlson et al., Explore)

  • 2024–2025: Updated systematic reviews consolidating evidence that neurofeedback yields durable improvements in PTSD and related conditions, and advocating for broader clinical acceptance and integration of EEG, fMRI-informed, and hybrid protocols. (Frontiers Psychiatry / Frontiers Human Neuroscience)

Why This Research Matters

These studies reflect the growing scientific support for Micro Current Neurofeedback and the meaningful changes clients experience every day. As an educator, clinician and contributor to the Micro Current Neurofeedback field, I remain committed to providing an approach that is evidence-based, safe, and grounded in measurable results.


Advancing the Science Behind Micro Current Neurofeedback

Each study below highlights how Micro Current Neurofeedback supports improvements in anxiety, trauma, cognitive performance, sleep, and overall brain regulation—helping clients feel better in fewer sessions.

‘Without science, you’re just a good person with a nice idea.’

~Barry Bruder

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