Chemo Brain

Cancer and its treatments cause fatigue. You probably already know that. Cancer itself can zap your energy. Some cancer treatments also make the body use more energy. Your body needs to get rid of the toxins that cancer cells set free when they are killed. If you have no appetite, you probably aren't eating as well as you should. Lack of sleep, pain, nausea, lack of physical activity and low white blood cell count (as well as a common culprit - anemia) can lead to or worsen fatigue.

Additionally, several recent (but very small, non-randomized, non-controlled) studies show that mild memory loss appears to be a potential side effect of chemotherapy.

At Brain Wellness and Biofeedback Centers we treat chemobrain (defined as the memory loss, fatigue, depression and anxiety that may follow chemotherapy) with EEG neurotherapy and other forms of biofeedback. Please see the description of our treatment modalities for more information.

Chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction (i.e., disturbing and disruptive changes in attention/concentration, memory, thinking or other cognitive functions) in women with breast cancer is becoming an increasingly important clinical issue. Several recently published studies describe moderate to severe cognitive dysfunction in breast cancer survivors who were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy one to five years before undergoing extensive neuropsychological testing. These studies suggest that approximately 15% to 25% of chemotherapy-treated breast cancer patients will demonstrate evidence of cognitive dysfunction some years after chemotherapy compared with about 10% of survivors who did not receive chemotherapy. Those who experience these symptoms call the problem “chemobrain.” This cognitive dysfunction is often associated with other distressing symptoms following successful treatment for cancer, including pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances.

There is growing agreement that chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction may contribute to substantially reduced quality of life in breast cancer survivors. EEG neurofeedback specifically targets central nervous system functioning. This non-invasive, gentle treatment offers a new approach to improving quality of life and enhancing the recovery of those struggling with chemo-brain.

[Related Research: Barton D, Loprinzi C: Novel approaches to preventing chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction in breast cancer: the art of the possible. Clinical Breast Cancer 2002;3 Suppl 3:S121-127. Management of Cancer Symptoms: Pain, Depression, and Fatigue. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 61, July 2002. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/csympsum.htm. Mueller HH, Donaldson CSS, Nelson DV, Layman M. Treatment of fibromyalgia incorporating EEG-Driven Stimulation: A clinical outcomes study. J Clin Psychol 2001;57:933-952. O’Shaughnessy JA: Effects of epoetin alfa on cognitive function, mood, asthenia, and quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy. Clinical Breast Cancer 2002;3 Suppl 3:S116-120. Valentine AD, Meyers CA: Cognitive and mood disturbance as causes and symptoms of fatigue in cancer patients. Cancer 2001;92:1694-1698.