EEG operant conditioning in a monkey model: I. Seizure data

EEG operant conditioning in an alumina-gel monkey model (N = 14) to decrease EMG, to increase 9 Hz or decrease 9 Hz, and to increase 23 Hz (18 Hz and 26 Hz in 2 pilot monkeys), respectively, was not consistently beneficial in reducing seizures. The data suggested: (1) that desynchronization of the EEG by reinforcing 18-26 Hz decreased in some animals the extent and severity of seizures while increasing seizure frequency; (2) that attending during conditioned EMG suppression reduced seizures somewhat; and (3) that the operant conditioning setting became stressful to the majority of monkeys under certain conditions, precipitating status epilepticus, gastrointestinal disturbances, and shock, which culminated in the death of 3 animals. Certain precautions are discussed in the therapeutic application of this technique to epileptic patients.