A trial of an interactive game that trains people to alter their brainwaves has shown promising results as a treatment for chronic nerve pain, offering hope for a new generation of drug-free pain management solutions, as reported by the University of New South Wales.
The innovative PainWaive system pairs a lightweight EEG headset with a tablet-based app featuring interactive neurofeedback games that provide real-time visual feedback of brain activity.12 Users can literally see their brainwaves changing through engaging scenarios, such as a jellyfish swimming through dark water that turns turquoise as the mind calms, or a rocket that launches from Earth into the atmosphere when the brain enters an optimal state for pain regulation.34
Four different interactive games help visualize brain states while guiding users through mental strategies including relaxation techniques and positive imagery.56 This approach doesn't merely distract from pain—it actively teaches users to shift their brainwaves from abnormal patterns associated with chronic nerve pain to healthier patterns, effectively rewiring neural pathways through neuroplasticity.738 The system responds in real-time to these shifts, creating an intuitive learning environment where patients can develop control over brain activity previously thought to be involuntary.69
The technology behind PainWaive is grounded in Professor Sylvia Gustin's research on the brain's thalamus, a critical relay hub for sensory and motor signals. People suffering from neuropathic pain exhibit distinctive brainwave patterns characterized by an abundance of slow theta waves, fewer alpha waves, and more fast, high beta waves.12 These abnormal patterns disrupt how the thalamus communicates with other brain regions, particularly the sensorimotor cortex responsible for registering pain.
Neurofeedback, the core mechanism of PainWaive, harnesses the brain's natural neuroplasticity—its ability to rewire itself through repeated practice and feedback.3 By providing immediate visual feedback through gameplay, users can observe and gradually learn to regulate their brain's electrical activity, effectively training themselves to produce healthier brainwave patterns associated with reduced pain perception.45 This approach represents a significant shift from traditional pain management strategies that focus on blocking pain signals rather than retraining the brain's response to them.
The first clinical trial of PainWaive, published in the Journal of Pain, tested the system on four participants suffering from corneal neuropathic pain—a rare condition causing painful hypersensitivity in the eyes, face, and head.1 Participants completed 20 treatment sessions over four weeks, with researchers tracking hundreds of measures related to pain severity and interference with daily activities.2
Results were encouraging, with three out of four participants experiencing significant pain reduction, particularly toward the end of the treatment period.32 The level of pain relief achieved was comparable to or greater than that typically offered by opioid medications, and importantly, these benefits persisted for five weeks after treatment concluded.45 While researchers acknowledge the study's limitations due to its small size and design—which prevent generalizing findings or ruling out placebo effects—these promising outcomes have prompted recruitment for two expanded studies targeting chronic spinal pain and neuropathic pain from spinal cord injuries.6
One of PainWaive's most significant advantages is its accessibility and affordability. The UNSW team developed their own EEG headset using 3D printing and open-source components, bringing the cost down to approximately $193.70—substantially cheaper than commercial EEG systems.12 Designed for home use with remote monitoring capabilities, the system empowers patients to manage their pain independently, making it particularly valuable for those with limited mobility or restricted healthcare access. "Participants felt empowered to manage their pain in their own environment. That's a huge part of what makes this special," noted Dr. Negin Hesam-Shariati from UNSW's NeuroRecovery Research Hub.34
Building on the promising initial results, researchers are now advancing to larger clinical trials. Recruitment is currently underway for expanded studies targeting chronic spinal pain and neuropathic pain from spinal cord injuries.2 The technology represents a significant shift in pain management approaches, potentially offering an effective alternative to medication-based treatments. As VICE reports, "PainWaive is a neurofeedback game that doesn't just distract you from pain, it retrains your brain to feel less of it."5 If successful in larger trials, this innovative approach could revolutionize at-home pain management for millions seeking drug-free alternatives.
