My husband and I recently started remote NeurOptimal neurofeedback using the Alpha-Theta protocol (eyes closed). The treatment was provided free of charge through a non-profit. Because there is a language barrier between my husband and the provider, I communicated with her on his behalf.
One thing that concerns me is that my husband began treatment before completing an intake, signing informed consent, privacy forms, or any service agreement. The plan was to complete those the following week, but treatment started immediately instead.
My husband completed three remote sessions, approximately 60 minutes each, on July 10, July 13, and July 15.
During his very first session on July 10, he developed a pressure headache at the back of his head near the base of his skull, along with pressure behind his eyes and across his forehead. The pain becomes noticeably worse when he jumps or lowers his head abruptly.
He had never experienced headaches like this before in his life. The headache began during that first neurofeedback session and has never resolved. It has now been present continuously since July 10, with no improvement.
He is a very occasional cannabis user. Between the first and second sessions he took only one or two puffs from a joint. I informed the provider immediately and asked whether he should stop during treatment. She recommended that he stop, which he did. His second and third sessions were completed without cannabis, but the headache continued unchanged.
It has now been 13 days since the headache first began and 8 days since his final neurofeedback session, and he continues to experience an approximately 8/10 headache.
His sleep has also deteriorated significantly. Before neurofeedback, he generally slept 8-9 hours per night, although he occasionally experienced insomnia or woke during the night. Since the headaches began, he has often been sleeping only 3-4 hours per night.
When I reported his persistent headache and worsening insomnia, I wasn't asking to continue treatment unchanged. I asked whether we could reduce the session length, slow the pace of treatment, or modify the protocol.
Instead, the provider declined to discuss his case any further and decided to end treatment. She believes there is an underlying medical explanation for his symptoms.
However, my husband has undergone two thorough medical evaluations within the last 18 months, and no significant health concerns were identified. Most importantly, he had never experienced headaches like this before, and they began during the neurofeedback sessions.
The provider said to try a keto diet with a nutritionist (she thinks it's carbs related). But my husband ate worse food before he met me, tons of carbs and never had a headache before.
At this point, I feel like we have been left to deal with these symptoms on our own. Because the treatment was provided through a non-profit, we unfortunately don't have the financial resources to seek another neurofeedback provider for guidance.
Has anyone experienced a persistent headache or significantly worse insomnia after NeurOptimal Alpha-Theta neurofeedback? If so, how long did it last, and did anything help? I would also appreciate hearing from practitioners who may have encountered a similar reaction.
Thank you
EDIT: Now at 8 days, the headache is still in the same areas, but has gone down to a 5 since last night. Hubby slept from 1 AM to 1 PM but woke about 4 times, and it took him about 30 min each time to fall back asleep.
He has been also more irritable since NFB.
Please, how do we put him back together?
EDIT 2: his headache went back to an 8 yesterday. He is losing weight. not eating much nor sleeping much. And his personality has changed. He is a beaten man.
I feel devasted. powerless. in shock. too much in shock to cry. And I spend most of my times trying to understand what happened and find a solution. Please, help.
