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Neurofeedback

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is direct training of brain function, by which the brain learns to function more efficiently. We observe the brain in action from moment to moment. We show that information back to the person. And we reward the brain for changing its own activity to more appropriate patterns. This is a gradual learning process. It applies to any aspect of brain function that we can measure. Neurofeedback is also called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity, the electroencephalogram, or EEG. Neurofeedback is training in self-regulation. It is simply biofeedback applied to the brain directly. Self-regulation is a necessary part of good brain function. Self-regulation training allows the system (the central nervous system) to function better.
Neurofeedback addresses problems of brain dysregulation. These happen to be numerous. They include the anxiety-depression spectrum, attention deficits, behavior disorders, various sleep disorders, headaches and migraines, PMS and emotional disturbances. It is also useful for organic brain conditions such as seizures, the autism spectrum, and cerebral palsy.

How Does it Work?

We apply electrodes to the scalp to listen in on brainwave activity. We process the signal by computer, and we extract information about certain key brainwave frequencies. (All brainwave frequencies are equal, but some are more equal than others…) We show the ebb and flow of this activity back to the person, who attempts to change the activity level. Some frequencies we wish to promote. Others we wish to diminish. We present this information to the person in the form of a video game. The person is effectively playing the video game with his or her brain. Eventually the brainwave activity is “shaped” toward more desirable, more regulated performance. The frequencies we target, and the specific locations on the scalp where we listen in on the brain, are specific to the conditions we are trying to address, and specific to the individual.

Who Provides Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback) is typically provided by mental health professionals such as psychologists, family therapists, and counselors. These professions usually work with clients one-on-one. The training may also be provided by nurses, clinical social workers, and rehabilitation specialists. MDs also provide the service, but with the exception of psychiatrists, will usually have the service provided by a trained staff person.

Is Neurofeedback a Cure?

In the case of organic brain disorders, it can only be a matter of getting the brain to function better rather than of curing the condition. When it comes to problems of dysregulation, we would say that there is not a disease to be cured. Where dysregulation is the problem, self-regulation may very well be the remedy. But again, the word “cure” would not apply.

 

What Conditions Can It Help?

We are especially concerned with the more “intractable” brain-based problems of childhood whose needs are not currently being met. This includes, Seizures and sub-clinical seizure activity, severely disruptive behavior disorders such as Conduct Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, Autistic spectrum and pervasive developmental delay, Cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, Birth trauma.
Many children have sleep problems that can be helped such as Bed wetting, Sleep walking, sleep talking, Teeth grinding, Nightmares, Night terrors.
We can also be helpful with many of the problems of adolescence including Drug abuse, Suicidal behavior, Anxiety, and depression.
We can also help to maintain good brain function as people get older. The good news is that almost any brain, regardless of its level of function, can be trained to function better.

Behavior

While medication and behavioral interventions can do a good job treating the symptoms of children with ADD or ADHD, neurofeedback retrains the brain to regain better control and focus. This method is about building up the person, focused on the qualities they possess.

Stress & Anxiety

Anxiety is a common response to stress, and sufferers often feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and fatigued. Neurofeedback can help guide your brain to change how it responds to stimuli that disturb our physical or mental equilibrium.

Peak Performance

Concentration, focus, and emotional control are key to achieving optimal performance in all fields. Athletes and business executives are taking advantage of neurofeedback technologies to learn how to utilize the full potential of their minds to reach their peak.

How Neurofeedback Works

Discover for yourself whether neurofeedback training is the right choice for you or a member of your family.

Learn how neurofeedback training works: effectively and permanently, with no pain, no invasive treatments, no drugs, and absolutely no side effects. See how these programs can be used to improve specific conditions or to optimize your personal performance. 


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Frequently asked questions about Neurofeedback?

What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a way to train brain activity; it is biofeedback for the brain. To understand neurofeedback, first, we need to understand a little about brainwaves. Brainwaves are the electrical impulses produced as your brain cells communicate with one another. Brainwaves tell us a great deal about how you feel and function; your thought habits, stress levels, underlying mood and overall brain function. Using sensors on the scalp, we can measure and monitor this activity. With a qEEG brain map, we can identify what specific activity is causing your symptoms. Once we know the areas of concern, we can create a training plan to help draw your brain into a comfortable, efficient state using neurofeedback. During a neurofeedback session – which lasts 45 minutes – we compare what your brain is actually doing to what you’d like it to be doing. When your brain is nearing a more comfortable state, you are rewarded with a positive response via sound. The sounds tell you immediately when your brain approaches a more efficient place and when not. Much like physical exercises develop specific muscles, the more your brain is exercised into reaching a more comfortable, more efficient position, the better it gets at it. As with learning any new skill, it simply requires time and repetition.

How effective is it?
Neurofeedback is effective in the vast majority of cases and provides measurable results. Almost everyone responds to training, and the results are long-lasting. Our clients report significant improvement towards their goals 95% of the time; an exceptionally high rate of achievement. All of our treatment protocols are strongly supported by evidence-based research. Neurofeedback is known as a ”Level 1″ or Highly Effective Treatment by the American Academy of Pediatrics. And like any therapy, it works best with people who are motivated and want to improve.
Is Neurofeedback safe?

Yes, neurofeedback is completely painless, non-invasive, and safe. In the same way that muscles strengthen after use, neurofeedback strengthens neural-pathways with specifically tailored exercises. It is simply a learning technique.

In the 40-year history of neurofeedback, nobody has ever been harmed. However, as with any form of exercise, there can be ‘side-effects’.  See the side effects questions below.

WHAT IS BRAIN MAP (QEEG) AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Brain mapping is the first step in Neurofeedback training. A qEEG, or Quantitative Electroencephalography, is an assessment where we record the electrical activity of the brain (EEG) from 19 locations on the scalp. This is non-invasive, passive and just records what is going on. We then compare this to a “normal” data set to determine what areas of the brain and what activity we want to train.

Is there Solid research on neurofeedback?
Yes!  There are hundreds of peer-reviewed studies and journal articles that support the benefits of neurofeedback to treat a wide-range of brain disorders and improve cognitive functions.  You can easily read many of these articles by searching Neurofeedback in Google Scholar.  For more articles specific to your condition, feel free to email us: sunita@braincoachtx.com

WHAT HAPPENS IN A NEUROFEEDBACK SESSION
Neurofeedback sessions involve relaxing for 30 or 45 minutes while you watch a movie, show, or listen to music of your choice. Small sensors will monitor your brainwaves during the session. When irregular patterns are detected, a response is triggered by the software that dims/fades the video or music.  Your brain senses the change and subconsciously modifies itself back into a normal pattern. With repetition of this process, eventually, your brain learns to stay within healthy ranges on its own without neurofeedback.