Research and Publications
Flexyx Neurotherapy System in the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury: An Initial Evaluation
Schoenberger N, Shiflett S., Esty ML, Ochs L and Matheis R (2001)
Unusually positive clinical neurofeedback treatment outcomes in people with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) who were treated by Dr. Mary Lee Esty in 1994-1996 led to her collaboration in a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded research project with the Kessler Rehabilitation Hospital.
Neurotherapy of Traumatic Brain Injury/Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms in OEF/OIF Veterans
The Flexyx Neurotherapy System (FNS), a novel variant of EEG biofeedback, was adapted for intervention with seven treatment-refractory Afghanistan/Iraq war veterans, and brought about significant decreases in bothersome neurobehavioral and posttraumatic stress symptoms.
Nelson DV and Esty ML (2012)
Neurotherapy of Traumatic Brain Injury/Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Vietnam Veterans
Findings suggest Flexyx Neurotherapy System (FNS) treatment may be of potential benefit for the partial amelioration of TBI/PTSD symptoms, even in veterans for whom symptoms have been present for decades, such as those who have served in Vietnam.
Nelson DV and Esty ML (2015)
Published Peer-Reviewed Research /Invited Articles:
Nelson DV, Esty ML (2018) Minute Pulsed Electromagnetic Neurostimulation for Mixed Trauma Syndromes. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, Vol 23:1-10
Keyser D, Rapp P, Trongnetrpunya A, Nelson D, Esty ML (2017) Uniformed Services University, Traumatic Injury Research Program: Relief of Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms Following Flexyx Neurotherapy and P-300 as a Potential Biomarker: A Pilot Study. At Military Health Sciences Research Symposium, August.
Nelson D, Esty ML, Barone B (2017) Complementary and Integrative Treatments in Psychiatric Practice. Chapter 26: Neurofeedback Therapy in Clinical Practice. Pub. American Psychiatric Association
Complementary and Integrative Treatments in Psychiatric Practice. (2017) American Psychiatric Association. Co-author of chapter 26: Neurofeedback Therapy in Clinical Practice.
Nelson DV, and Esty ML (2016). Neurotherapy as a catalyst in the treatment of fatigue in breast cancer survivorship. EXPLORE: July/August The Journal of Science and Healing. Vol. 12, #4. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2016.04.002
Nelson DV, and Esty ML (2015). Neurotherapy of Traumatic Brain Injury-Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Vietnam Veterans. Military Medical Research.
Nelson DV, and Esty ML (2015). Neurotherapy for chronic headache following traumatic brain injury Military Medical Research, 2:22. DOI 10.1186/s40779-015-0049-y
Nelson DV and Esty ML (2012), Neurotherapy of Traumatic Brain Injury/Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms in OEF/OIF Veterans. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry & Clinical Neurosciences, 24:2, Spring. 237-240. http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/data/Journals/NP/24390/237.pdf
Nelson DV and Esty ML (2011), Neurotherapy of attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 22:14, 2011. Poster at 2011 Annual Meeting.
Nelson DV, Bennett RM, Barkhuizen A, Sexton GJ, Jones KD, Esty ML, Ochs L and Donaldson, CCS (2010), Brief Research Report: Neurotherapy of Fibromyalgia. Pain Medicine. 11:912-919. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nelson DV and Esty ML. Neurotherapy for TBI: A CAM Intervention (2010), Brain Injury. Vol. 24 (3) 366. March.
Nelson DV and Esty, ML (2009), Neurotherapy for Chronic TBI/PTSD Symptoms in Vietnam Veterans. The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. (24)5, 403.
Esty ML and Nelson DV (2009), Neurotherapy of TBI/PTSD in OEF/OIF veterans. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 21:221-223.
Nelson DV and Esty ML. Neurotherapy for pain in veterans with trauma spectrum disorders. The Journal of Pain 10:S18, (2009).
Nelson DV, Bennett R, Barkhuizen A, Sexton G, Jones K, Ochs L, and Esty ML (2007), Neurotherapy of fibromyalgia? The Journal of Pain 8:S25.
Kravitz HM, Esty ML, Katz RS, and Fawcett J. (2006), Treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome using low-intensity neurofeedback with the Flexyx Neurotherapy System: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Jrl of Neurotherapy Vol. 10 (2/3) 41-58.
Schoenberger N, Shiflett S., Esty ML, Ochs L and Matheis R (2001), Flexyx Neurotherapy System in the treatment of traumatic brain injury: An initial evaluation. Jrl of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Vol. 16, #3. pp 260-274
Current and Recent Research:
Ongoing research of Flexyx Neurotherapy System effects on TBI and PTSD in military veterans. (2013 – present).
Research Collaborator in multi-site study: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Pulsed, Ultra Low Power Electric Current EEG Biofeedback in Treating Symptoms of Repeated Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Retired NFL Athletes. (2016)
A study of EEG neurofeedback treatment using the Flexyx Neurotherapy System and surface electromyography biofeedback treatment for fibromyalgia syndrome. Principal Investigator with Dr. David Nelson, Sam Houston State University. (2007) Neurotherapy Center of Washington, Bethesda, MD.
A Study of EEG neurofeedback treatment using the Flexyx Neurotherapy System for symptoms of traumatic brain injury and PTSD with veterans of the Vietnam War. (2007) Neurotherapy Center of Washington, Bethesda, MD.
Presentations
Invited Speaker: Thirteenth Annual Hyperbaric Medicine Symposium Sept. (2019) Neurofeedback in the Treatment of Neurological and Psychological Trauma. Charleston, South Carolina
Invited guest: TV interview KCOT TV Oceanside, California. “It’s up to you. “
Invited Speaker: National Psychopharmacology Update. Las Vegas, Nevada
The Elusive Effects of Concussion/TBI on Diagnosis and Treatment Planning.
Invited Speaker: Montgomery County Public Safety Training Academy. Reduction of Mood, Cognitive & Physiological Symptoms in Response to Neurofeedback Therapy. (2017)
Invited Speaker: International Summit of Female Concussion and TBI. Neurotherapy for Mixed Traumatic Brain Injury/Post-traumatic Stress Syndromes in Female Military Personnel. Georgetown University Medical School. (2016).
Invited Speaker Fairfax Inova Hospital Traumatic Brain Injury Education and Support Group. Biofeedback in the treatment of TBI. (2016)
Keynote Speaker: Healthy Brains and Bodies: Biofeedback and Beyond. WV Bureau of Senior Services, and Departments of Psychology and Social Work, Shepherd University, (2015)
Invited Speaker: Concussion/TBI and Post-Traumatic Stress in Combat Veterans. Neurofeedback Treatment History and Research Results & Hidden Symptoms. The Society for Military Psychology (Division 19 of the American Psychological Association). (2014) Washington. D.C.
Keynote Speaker: Concussion, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Conscious Coma: It Isn’t All in the Head. Integrative Modalities in Neurofeedback and Biofeedback Conference. Fryeburg, ME. (2014)
Keynote Speaker: Concussion and TBI: What Every Healthcare Provider Needs to Know in a Nutshell: It isn’t all in your head. Mid-Atlantic Society for Biofeedback and Behavioral Medicine. Loyola College, Columbia, MD. (2014).
Improvements with Neurotherapy for TBI/PTSD Syndromes in OEF/OIF Service Personnel. Authors: Nelson, DV, Esty, ML, Keyser DO, Rapp, PE. Poster Presentation, International Brain Injury Association, San Francisco, CA, (2014)
Invited Speaker: Neurotherapy: An Emerging Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury and Veterans with Blast Injuries. North American Brain Injury Society, 11th Annual Conference on Brain Injury. (2013) New Orleans, LA.
Treating Trauma and Brain Injuries for OEF/OIF Veterans with Neurofeedback. Trauma Services Program, D.C. Veterans Hospital. (2013)
Broad Spectrum Improvements with Neurotherapy for TBI/PTSD in OEF/OIF Veterans. American Neuropsychiatric Association. Boston, MA. Poster Presentation. (2013).
Keynote Speaker: Treating Trauma and Brain Injuries with New Technologies. Power Conference Wichita State University Social Work Department. (2013)
Treating Post-Traumatic Stress, TBI, and Pain in OEF/OIF Veterans with EEG Biofeedback. The Pain Connection, Rockville, MD. (2012)
Neurofeedback for Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury. Brain Injury Services of Northern Virginia. (2012)
The Use of EEG Biofeedback for Treatment of PTSD and TBI. Montgomery Veteran’s Commission, Montgomery County Maryland. (2012)
Living with the Legacy of TBI/PTSD? Neurofeedback Can Make Life Easier. Public Service Training Academy, Montgomery County, Maryland. (2012)
Neurotherapy of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Symptoms. American Neuropsychiatric Association, Twenty-second Annual Meeting. Poster Presentation. (2011) Denver, CO.
The Results of Neurotherapy on Service Personnel Suffering from PTSD and TBI. The Third Annual Military Conference, Addressing the “Signature Wounds” of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan in Warfighters Coming Back from Theater. San Antonio, TX. (2010)
New Developments in Neurotherapy for OEF/OIF Veterans with Trauma Spectrum Disorders (TBI/PTSD). Force Health Protection: Military Preventive Medicine and Public Health. 13th Annual Conference. Phoenix, AZ. (2010)
Neurotherapy for TBI in Iraq/Afghanistan and Vietnam Veterans: Reduction in Fatigue, Headache, Mood and Cognitive Symptoms following Neurofeedback. Brain Injury Association of Maryland Annual Conference (2010)
Neurotherapy for TBI: A CAM Intervention. International Brain Injury Society, Annual meeting. Washington DC., Poster Presentation. (2010)
Reduction in TBI/PTSD Symptoms Following Neurofeedback with OEF/OIF Veterans. Grand Rounds, Georgetown University Department of Psychiatry. (2010)
Brain Bullies. Products of Central Nervous System Imbalances: Using Neurofeedback to Engage Neuroplasticity for symptoms of AD(H)D, Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Pervasive Developmental Delay (PDD). The Lab School, Washington D.C. (2009)
From Waves of Grain to Waves of Brain. Distinguished Alumni Speaker, Wichita State University (2009)
Pain, Cognitive Fog and the Fragile Brain. National Fibromyalgia Partnership, Fairfax, VA, Sept 13, 2009.
Clinical Applications for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. National Association of Social Workers, DC Metro Chapter Annual Social Work Conference. Gallaudet University, Washington, DC. March 5, 2009.
An Overview of Neurofeedback for Clinical Social Workers. The Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work sponsored the program of four-hour workshops for Clinical Social Workers, Bethesda, Maryland. March 1, March 8, and Nov. 19, 2009.
Neurotherapy of TBI/PTSD in OEF/OIF veterans. Poster presentation at the American Neuropsychiatric Association Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX. (2009)
Applications of Neurofeedback and Biofeedback in Treatment of PTSD, TBI, and Addiction. National Institute of Drug Abuse, Biomedical Research Center, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland. (2008)
Neurofeedback and Biofeedback for Treating Symptoms of Chronic Health Problems and TBI/PTSD. Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Community Psychiatric Program. (2008)
Using Neurofeedback for Symptoms of PTSD and TBI. Preliminary Data on OEF and OIF Personnel. Walter Reed Army Medical Center. (2008)
Treating Chronic Conditions with Biofeedback and EEG Neurofeedback (FNS) Therapy. Grand Rounds Presentation, Montgomery General Hospital, Olney, MD. May 17, 2007.
Research Results Using Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) for Treating Traumatic Brain injury and Fibromyalgia. First Annual International LENS conference, Rosendale, NY. May 5, 2007.
Neurofunctional Responses to Weak Electromagnetic Fields. Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. Annual Meeting. Symposium presentation. Portland, OR. April 2006.
The role of infection and traumatic brain injury in FMS: The case for multiple treatment interventions. A short course: autonomic dysfunction in fibromyalgia: Physiology, precipitating causes and interventions. Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. Annual Meeting. Symposium presentation. Portland, OR. April 2006.
Biofeedback and Neurotherapy for Chronic Health Problems. Nova Community College. Woodbridge, VA.
October 17, 2005.
Visual and Vestibular Problems Following TBI: Description and Treatment Options. Brain Injury Association of Maryland Annual Conference. Baltimore, MD. March 17, 2005.
Multifaceted Intervention for Chronic Pain: A Model Developed for Treating Fibromyalgia. The Mid-Atlantic Society for Biofeedback and Behavioral Medicine. Columbia, MD. October 16, 2004.
Reduction of Physiological and Cognitive Problems Following TBI in Response to Neurofeedback Treatment. New York Academy of Traumatic Brain Injury, Fordham University, New York, NY. April 17, 2004.
FNS Neurotherapy Treatment: Summary of Clinical and Experimental Results and Implications for the Future. A symposium, Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback Annual Meeting. Colorado Springs, CO. April 2, 2004.
Improving Cognitive and Physical Functioning After TBI Using Flexyx Neurotherapy Treatment. Brain Injury Association of Maryland Annual Conference. Baltimore, MD. March 26, 2004
Alternative Therapies and Neuroplasticity: Recent Research Results from the Field of Neurotherapy and Practical Home Applications for Aiding Recovery from TBI. Brain Injury Association of Maryland Annual Conference. Baltimore, MD. March 28, 2003.
The Potential Contribution of EEG-linked Central Nervous Treatment of Fibromyalgia Pain. The Neurology and New Treatment Modalities in Fibromyalgia Conference of the National Fibromyalgia Research Association. Portland, OR. October 6, 2002.
Research results of Flexyx Neurotherapy Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury. Mid-Atlantic Society for Biofeedback and Behavioral Medicine. Bethesda, MD. June 8, 2002.
Flexyx Neurotherapy System in the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury: An Initial Evaluation. The 26th International Williamsburg Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Conference. Williamsburg, VA. June 7, 2002.
Integration of Data from EEG patterns and Other Sources for Brain Injured Outpatients in the Domains of Cognition, Pain, and Mood: Implications for Treatment and Outcome. New York Academy of Traumatic Brain Injury. New York, NY. April 6, 2002.
Subvisual EEG photic-stimulation treatment: Published data on symptomatic changes in traumatic brain injury, diagnostic and clinical relevance of EEG maps for neurotherapy treatment, sub-visual photic-stimulation treatment of cerebral palsy, and theory of bioelectromagnetics. (Speaker and Organizer of a panel presenting the symposium.) Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. Las Vegas, NV. March 22, 2002.)
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A public forum of Kettering University. (With David Simons M.D., and Jeffrey Hargrove, Ph.D.) Sponsored by Kettering University and McLaren Hospital, Flint, MI. January 21, 2002.
Taking Control of Fibromyalgia: Strategies for Change. Arthritis Foundation, Maryland Chapter. November 17, 2001.
A Journey Toward Independence. Northern Virginia Brain Injury Association Annual Conference on “Research Results of a New Treatment for Mild to Moderate TBI: Remediation of Cognitive, Fatigue, Pain, and Mood Problems.” October 5, 2001.
Research Results on a New Treatment for Mild to Moderate TBI: Remediation of Cognitive, Pain, and Mood Symptoms. Conference of the Brain Injury Association of Texas. July 21, 2001.
EEG Biofeedback Therapy: A New Option for Treatment. Conference of the Brain Injury Association of Texas. Dallas, TX. July 21, 2001.
Flexyx Neurotherapy System in the Treatment of Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia. (Keynote speaker.) Biofeedback Society of Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Bethesda, MD. May, 2000.
Learning from Models of Research and Service Delivery; Flexyx Neurotherapy System Treatment for TBI. (Poster session.) First Federal Interagency Conference on Traumatic Brain Injury. Bethesda, MD. December 3, 1999.
An Anecdotal Review of Science Applied to Stringed Instruments from 1800 to the Present. The Violin Society of America Regional Meeting, June, 1983. Southampton College, Southampton NY.
Research Projects Consultation:
Consulting on NIH-funded research project at Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, on the use of FNS for treating fibromyalgia. Principal Investigator: Dr. David Nelson. Oct, 2001 – 2005.
Consulting on pilot study at Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, on use of Flexyx Neurotherapy System (FNS) for treatment of fatigue and depression following chemotherapy for breast cancer (Chemobrain). Principal Investigator: Dr. David Nelson. 2003 – 2004.
Consulting on research design and equipment development for a fibromyalgia research project using EEG biofeedback, jointly funded by McLaren Hospital and Kettering University, Flint, MI. April 2000 – April 2004.
Principal investigator with Mary Gregorson, PhD, Robert Hayes, PhD, and James Gordon, MD, in research project on participants with chronic illness in Mind-Body Self-Regulation Groups, evaluating impact of biofeedback and social support on symptoms, quality of life, and locus of control and mood. 1995 – 1997