Overview & Efficacy: One small controlled study and numerous clinical studies have shown that neurofeedback (brainwave biofeedback) can be very helpful in teaching people to avoid seizures.
This therapy is rated as probably efficacious (level 3 on a scale of 1 - 5 with 5 being the best). The relatively low rating is due to the lack of controlled studies as there are sufficient studies with good baselines and follow-ups to warrant a higher rating.
For more information on how efficacy is rated
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Why biofeedback would help this problem: People who have seizures produce abnormal brainwaves and too little of other brainwaves. If these people are shown the amount of normal and abnormal waves they are producing and taught to increase the amount of normal ones, seizure activity generally decreases significantly.
Brief summary of evidence supporting the efficacy of biofeedback for epilepsy:
Sterman is the original pioneer of this therapy. His (2000) review of 18 studies reporting clinical findings in the treatment of seizure disorders with EEG feedback showed that out of 174 patients treated, 82% demonstrated significant (greater than 30%) seizure reduction, with an average reduction exceeding 50%. Many of the studies also reported reductions in seizure severity and 5% of patients experienced complete control for periods of tabulation up to one year. Few controlled studies have been done in this area.
Detailed information on biofeedback augmented treatment of Epilepsy / Seizure disorders
A. Citation to the paper summarized in the "brief summary":
Sterman, M.B. (2000). Basic concepts and clinical findings in the treatment of seizure disorders with EEG operant conditioning. Clinical Electroencephalography, 31(1), 45-55.
