Biofeedback-assisted relaxation training with brain injured patients in acute stages of recovery

There are few published accounts or empirical studies of biofeedback-assist ed relaxation training with brain injured patients still in acute stages of recovery. Given the efficacy of biofeedback-assisted relaxation training w ith other medical populations, brain injured patients in acute stages of re covery with anxiety-based symptoms may also stand to gain some benefits for m this form of treatment. It has yet to be determined, however, if severe c ognitive impairment or disorientation contraindicate biofeedback treatment. The cases profiled here tentatively suggest that consideration of biofeedb ack-assisted relaxation training, even for severely cognitively impaired br ain injured patients in acute stages of recovery, may be appropriate. Empir ical investigations will be needed to determine selection criteria and cont raindications for biofeedback treatment in the acute brain injury populatio n.