Behavioral and biofeedback therapy for a functionally impaired musician: a case report

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Biofeedback research

Background:

• Occupational palsy in performing musicians is often treatment-resistant.
• Obsessive-compulsive symptoms can co-occur with functional neurological disorders.
• Biofeedback offers a potential non-invasive therapeutic avenue.

Observation:

• A performing musician presented with severe occupational palsy and concurrent obsessions/compulsions.
• The patient underwent a novel in vivo temperature biofeedback treatment protocol.
• Significant symptom reduction was observed following the intervention.

Findings:

• The in vivo biofeedback treatment successfully resolved both occupational palsy and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
• Symptomatic improvement was noted after only six 1/2-day sessions.
• The positive effects persisted for 4 years post-treatment, indicating long-term efficacy.

Implications:

• This case suggests in vivo biofeedback is a viable treatment for severe occupational palsy in musicians.
• The findings challenge the traditional view of occupational palsy's resistance to treatment.
• Further research into biofeedback for functional neurological disorders is warranted.