Infographic: Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety Disorder

Really great article from Healthline about the effects of anxiety on the body. Check out the images below, and make sure to click here to read the full article.

Click here to see a larger version of image. 

6 Types of Biofeedback Machines and Their Applications

Biofeedback therapy is a form of therapy that uses precision instruments to inform a patient of unconsciously controlled physiological processes, such as heart rate or skin temperature. Using this information, the patient can then learn to consciously alter these processes. There are several kinds of biofeedback machines, which measure different physiological responses and are useful for different clinical applications. Five commonly used types of biofeedback machines include electromyographs, feedback thermometers, electrodermographs, electrocardiographs, pneumographs, electroencephalographs. 

#1: Electromyographs as Biofeedback Machines

One of the more commonly used types of biofeedback machines is the electromyograph. Electromyography uses surface electrodes on the skin to detect electrical action potentials in the muscles underneath. EMG biofeedback machines are most commonly used for anxiety and pain disorders. Some of the common applications include generalized anxiety disorder, chronic muscle pain, migraine headaches, chronic or recurrent tension headaches, pelvic pain, and temporomandibular joint pain.

#2: Feedback Thermometers as Biofeedback Machines

Feedback thermometers are biofeedback machines that use a temperature-sensitive resistor to measure skin temperature. This information can be used to teach the patient to either cool their hands, which involves vasoconstriction, or warm their hands, which involves vasodilation. Feedback thermometers, when used as biofeedback machines, can be used to help treat chronic pain, edema (swelling), hypertension (high blood pressure), tension or migraine headaches, and anxiety.

#3: Electrodermohraphs as Biofeedback Machines

An electrodermograph is an instrument that uses electrodes on the hand or wrist to measure skin conductivity. Skin conductivity is an indirect measure of sweat gland activity, which increases due to arousal, anxiety, stress, and other cognitive arousal. In addition to their usefulness in the context of anxiety disorders, electrodermographs as biofeedback machines can also be used in treating hyperhidrosis, a condition of excessive sweating.

#4: Electrocardiographs as Biofeedback Machines

Electrocardiography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of the heart, using electrodes placed on the torso or extremities. EMG measurements indicate the interval between heart beats, which correlates with heart rate. Electrocardiographs as biofeedback machines can be used in biofeedback therapy for depression and anxiety. They are also useful for conditions like heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). 

#5: Pneumographs as Biofeedback Machines

A pneumograph is another of the biofeedback machines that is commonly used. Pneumography measures respiration rate using a flexible sensor band placed around the chest or abdomen. Pneumographic biofeedback therapy can be used in treating disorders in which irregular breathing is a factor, such as asthma, COPD, hypertension, and panic attacks. It is also useful for anxiety disorders.

#6: Electroencephalographs as Biofeedback Machines

Electroencephalographs (EEGs) are biofeedback machines that are used for neurofeedback therapy. In neurofeedback therapy, EEG biofeedback machines inform patients of changes in their neural oscillation frequencies, better known as “brainwaves.” Different frequency ranges (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and theta) correlate with different mental states, and abnormalities in brainwaves emitted in relevant brain areas have been documented in many psychological disorders. The goal of neurofeedback therapy is to facilitate a process of learning to alter the frequencies, which is achieved using a software system where images and sounds respond to frequency changes. 

BrainCore Therapy & Neurofeedback

Is There A Connection Between Depression and Memory Loss?

Few things are more frustrating than being unable to remember people, events, and facts. It can create a sense of instability and a concern that a serious condition such as Alzheimer’s might be imminent. The truth, however, is that the ability to remember is not nearly as set in stone as we might believe. Many things can have a negative effect on memory, including lack of sleep, medication side effects, and numerous physical conditions including depression. If a person is suffering from both memory loss and depression, the logical question is whether the two are related.

Knowing that depression can impact our ability to remember makes our memory seem quite fragile. It is much more accurate to think of the capacity to remember as elastic.  When the brain is functioning normally, we are able to perceive and collect information, storing it in memory as needed. When that function is disrupted, the mental processes required to understand and store information break down.

Current research has found a connection between depression and memory loss because both depression and memory loss are related to irregular brain function. Chemical imbalance and abnormal brainwave activity disrupt emotional balance, as well as the ability to perceive one’s surroundings and store impressions in memory. 

  A common symptom of depression is the inability to concentrate, making it difficult to remember specific events after the fact. With proper treatment for depression symptoms, it is quite possible memory function will also be restored for some patients.

There are other factors at play which link depression and memory loss. As noted in this article recently released by the University of Rochester School of Medicine, there may be a link between loss of cognitive ability, symptoms of depression and memory loss, and reduced levels of IGF-1, a hormone involved in growth and development. Although this study is primarily looking at the impact on older adults, their findings may have far-reaching implications in the field of memory loss.

It is logical to assume that there is a definite link between depression and the ability to remember. Because memories accumulate over time and contribute to a person’s ability to think, interact, and experience emotions, long-term untreated depression can then be considered a serious threat to quality of life.

When the symptoms of depression or memory loss are first recognized it is important to seek the assistance of a healthcare professional. In doing so, the emotional, intellectual, and social functioning of the patient can best be preserved.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR DEPRESSION AND MEMORY LOSS

Quantum Biofeedback in Simple Terms

Quantum biofeedback is an extraordinary new medical technique that allows patients to assume control of their bodies through the teaching of self-regulation. The methodology combines traditional biofeedback with other modern medical concepts such as chakras, energy fields, and meridians. Patients of quantum biofeedback have the opportunity to reduce environmental stressors in their bodies and getting vital systems back on track free of drugs, surgery, or psychotherapy.

Quantum biofeedback works like this: patients are strapped at the wrist, ankle, and forehead and connected to a box that receives, transmits, and ultimately interprets signals from the body. The devices isolate areas where the body is undergoing stress or has become dysfunctional, and then stimulates these areas with mild electrical currents designed to correct the issue. 

Other Effective Treatments 

Unfortunately, quantum biofeedback has been met with a great deal of skepticism over the years, necessitating the use of other biofeedback therapies with a better track record of success. Neurofeedback, for one, has been scientifically proven to be an effective intervention against several neurological ailments, including migraines, Attention Deficit Disorder, insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety, and several others.

Using some of the same basic precepts as quantum biofeedback, neurofeedback is also a dynamic way for doctors and patients to train the body to self-regulate – this time, in the brain. It is no secret that the brain is the very genesis of all of our major and vital bodily functions. When the brain’s ability to transmit normal and functional brainwaves has become impaired, it follows suit that problems will arise throughout our bodies. This is where neurofeedback comes in.

Quantum biofeedback and neurofeedback differ greatly in how they are carried out. At the outset of neurofeedback therapy, doctors will first perform an in-depth analysis of a patient’s brainwave patterns, determining which ones have gotten off-track and may be at the source of the problem. Upon doing this, patients will be painlessly and noninvasively guided through a series of brain exercises which utilize feedback being read directly from our heads to teach and promote autonomous regulation. Over time, our bodies will learn how to do this automatically, and when confronted with the same problem again will know how to combat the issue, keeping us healthy.

To learn more about quantum biofeedback and other of BrainCore’s cutting-edge treatment offerings, such as neurofeedback therapy, click here today.

The Basics of HEG Neurofeedback

HEG neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback training based on the study of blood flow to areas of the brain. This translates into heat in corresponding sections of the brain, picked up by infrared sensors during the training.

HEG, or hemoencephalography, allows the person undergoing the neurofeedback training to see exactly when overstimulation of certain areas of the brain is occurring and allows them to increase the blood flow to other areas of the brain.

The prefrontal cortex, also known as the PFC, is home to the executive functions such as the ability to organize, to make decisions, to focus, and to feel empathy for others. It is also the part of the brain that can temper overstimulation in other sections. This is important because disorders such as anxiety, attention deficit disorder, and out of control anger are connected to exaggerated responses to stimuli. By learning to optimize the activity of the prefrontal cortex through HEG neurofeedback training, that overreaction to external stimulus can be tempered.

Here’s how that training might look: the patient is allowed to view an emotional movie or images meant to evoke a strong emotional reaction in the limbic system; when the heat sensors detect activity in that portion of the brain, the image disappears. In order to bring the image back, the patient is taught to move blood flow into the prefrontal cortex through visualization of energy or warmth flooding that area of the brain. When the PFC is engaged, it tempers the over stimulated limbic system.

With a fully activated prefrontal cortex, the patient is more likely to remain in an alert state with top mental functioning. This also means he may be less susceptible to an over stimulated limbic system and the disorders that can result.

By harnessing the science of hemoencephalography through HEG neurofeedback training, it is possible to bring relief from the symptoms of many troubling emotional disorders.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: BrainCore's revolutionary NEUROFEEDBACK therapy

Five Common Drugs for ADD

Millions of people have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD symptoms and are seeking relief through medication. Before you begin taking one of the commonly prescribed drugs for ADD, arm yourself with information about their potential side effects. Do your own research, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and stay alert for side effects once a medication has been prescribed.

The following is a highly-condensed list of five of the most common drugs for ADD and the side effects most often reported for each:

·         Strattera  - A non-stimulant used to treat ADD symptoms. Most commonly reported side effects include dizziness, irritability, headaches, decreased appetite, sexual dysfunction, disruption of the menstrual cycle, and nausea. This list is not exhaustive; all potential side effects should be explained by your doctor or pharmacist before you begin taking the medication.

·         Adderall – An amphetamine-type stimulant frequently prescribed for attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD). Common side effects for Adderall can include back pain, irregular heartbeat, and painful urination with bloody urine. Ask your doctor which underlying physical conditions might be exacerbated by taking Adderall.

·         Concerta – Another of the commonly prescribed drugs for ADD, Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant. You may experience some or none of the side effects commonly reported, including rash, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and fever.

·         Ritalin – This is an older generation stimulant, one of the first prescribed for ADD symptoms. Side effects reported from using Ritalin are similar to those reported for Concerta, including chest pain, rash, fever, joint pain, and rapid heartbeat.

·         Kapvay – One of the non-stimulant drugs for ADD, Kapvay, also known as Clonidine, is usually used to enhance the effect of another ADD medication in children ages six to seventeen. Some of the possible side effects of taking Kapvay are drowsiness, dizziness, loss of energy, and constipation.

As with any medication, common drugs for ADD have their pros and cons. In addition to potential side effects, you should also be aware of drug interactions that can occur. Work with your doctor to decide which possible side effects would be the least disruptive for you as you are getting your ADD symptoms under control.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD

Are Biofeedback Devices Safe?

When a doctor or therapist suggests that biofeedback therapy might help in alleviating persistent symptoms, there are a number of questions the patient might have. They may be wondering what type of equipment will be used, and they may have questions about what the devices actually do to relieve symptoms. But the question on the minds of most patients is this – are biofeedback devices safe?

To answer these questions, let’s begin with an explanation of the equipment used. Biofeedback devices commonly include an electroencephalogram (EEG) machine and electrodes that are attached to the scalp and other parts of the body. The equipment also includes a computer monitor through which feedback on brainwave activity and body functions, such as heart rate and skin temperature, is visible.

The process by which relief of symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure occurs, involves walking the patient through relaxation exercises while he is attached to the biofeedback device. Because he is given audible or visual cues when the troubling symptom stabilizes, he is able to quickly see the results of his own efforts.

While biofeedback training is not a cure for these conditions, it can bring relief from symptoms and reduce or eliminate the need for more aggressive therapies. The number of sessions needed to fully train the patient in these techniques varies based on the patient’s own level of motivation and ability to learn, as well as the severity of the symptoms.

And now to the question of whether or not biofeedback devices are safe. The simple answer is, “Yes.” None of the equipment used is invasive; therefore, there is no risk of infection or injury. The electrodes used to provide feedback on bodily functions do not deliver any kind of current back to the patient. The relaxation techniques being taught during the sessions are no more dangerous than the practice of meditation.

Undertaking biofeedback training is safe, non-invasive, and effective in alleviating the symptoms of a number of medical conditions. The person for whom biofeedback training is prescribed can approach this type of therapy with confidence. 

ABOUT BRAINCORE THERAPY AND BIOFEEDBACK NEUROFEEDBACK

How to Research ADD Natural Remedies

A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) for your child may have you wondering if medication is the only answer. Many parents are concerned about the potential side effects and drug interactions of the most common medications given for ADD. If you aren’t sure how to start your research on ADD natural remedies and alternative therapies, here are some suggestions:

1.       Talk to your child’s medical care provider about which natural remedies for managing your child’s ADD symptoms show promise. If he is up-to-date on research into alternative therapies, he may be able to suggest other things to try besides prescription medications.

2.       Ask your doctor if he can refer you to an alternative medicine practitioner in your area. These two disciplines sometimes work hand-in-glove to bring the greatest relief of symptoms to the patient.

3.       If you want to investigate how biofeedback training might help your child learn to manage his symptoms, look for a biofeedback/neurofeedback practitioner in your area. Many mental health professionals, doctors, and chiropractors now offer this type of treatment in conjunction with therapy to help in managing ADD symptoms.

4.       Contact your local mental health center for listings of ADD/ADHD parent support organizations. Parents often share helpful information on what has worked in the way of ADD natural remedies, as well as traditional medical protocols, for their child’s ADD. As with any alternative therapy, be sure to keep your child’s doctor in the loop when considering other ways of bringing your child relief.

5.       Talk to your doctor about a referral to a dietician who can give you information on the best possible diet for your child with ADD. A proper diet supports not only your child’s body but also his brain function, making it one of the simplest ADD natural remedies to put in place.

Receiving a diagnosis of ADD for your child can be unsettling and the best answer isn’t always prescription medication. If you are interested in ADD natural remedies and alternative therapies, use the steps above to get started with your research. It takes time to gather the information to advocate for your child’s best medical care, but there is truly no better use of a parent’s time.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD/ ADD

Determining The Best Course of Action for Your Child’s ADD/ADHD

When searching at Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment for a child, lots of people go right to prescription medicines. These pills could be advantageous in curbing ADHD and helping with the ability to concentrate and work, and they've enjoyed the support from the mainstream medical establishment. Regrettably, this support has brought to stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin being grossly over-recommended by doctors today.

You should keep in mind that despite their prevalence, stimulants are serious medicines. These drugs work by effecting chemicals within the brain. They are able to also include major unwanted effects, including: chance of dependence, mood changes, depression and potential withdrawal signs and symptoms. Make certain to think about the advantages and risks before putting your son or daughter on these medications.

Natural Remedies

For individuals searching for a way to stay away of medications, there also numerous natural and side-effect free ADHD treatments available. These remedies can function without resorting to medicines, or could be coupled with medicines to improve their effect. Probably the most effective natural Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder remedies include:

• Proper Diet - You will find a number of nutritional components that considerably affect Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder signs and symptoms. For instance, protein plays an important role in the way the brain processes chemical messengers to manage the sleep/wake cycle. Research has proven that individuals with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder function better on reduced carb, high protein diets. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder sufferers also are usually oversensitive to chemicals in food, so eating non-processed, organic meals can improve signs and symptoms too.

• Behavior Therapy - This type of therapy seeks to train children social, behavior, and academic abilities to assist them to manage the signs and symptoms of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Behavior therapy addresses specific problems in behavior and seeks to restructure a patient’s responses. So as to, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder sufferers can develop more foreseeable and positive programs.

• Neurofeedback Therapy - This therapy continues to be proven to work in dealing with numerous nerve conditions. It functions by using computer led training to redirect wayward brainwaves. This enables the mind to consider in healthy, organized designs producing a more stable and functional cognitive activity. This therapy might help curb numerous signs and symptoms and it has had success in dealing with many patients with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Discover more about how exactly neurofeedback might help here.

What's the Smartest Choice in my Child?

How do we choose the best Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder strategy to your son or daughter? In the finish during the day, only your loved ones as well as your physician can figure out what treatment works well for the child’s particular signs and symptoms. It ought to be noted that although many prescription medicines can suppress the signs and symptoms of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, they don't cure them. Thus it is crucial that you explore all the options, and thoroughly evaluating your child’s response, before selecting a particular protocol.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD

Using Biofeedback for Anxiety

Anti-anxiety medicines include many adverse unwanted effects, but biofeedback for anxiety provides a natural and noninvasive treatment alternative. Prior to deciding to begin a prescription medicine, you need to explore all of the available alternatives. This will help you to determine the very best strategy for you, without taking on unnecessary risks along the way. Biofeedback can offer effective relief for signs and symptoms of tension, while being gentle in your mind and body.

So How Exactly Does Biofeedback Work?

Biofeedback functions by teaching patients to consider in nondestructive ways. By teaching the individual how you can correctly react to their anxiety, biofeedback might help sufferers of anxiety to manage their signs and symptoms without medication. Biofeedback functions by giving the individual the opportunity to view their physiological reactions to worry. Probably the most noticeable and customary signs and symptoms of tension that biofeedback therapy trains patients to acknowledge include:

·         Cold Sticky Hands

·         Alterations in Skin Temperature

·         Shallow and/or Rapid Breathing

·         Muscle Tension

·         Elevated Heartbeat

·         Alterations in Brainwaves

So How Exactly Does Biofeedback Affect Anxiety?

Numerous research has proven great enhancements in patients receiving treatment with biofeedback for anxiety. It's been proven to aid in dealing with both chronic and episodic panic attacks. Doctors have seen that biofeedback helps patients with controlling an array of anxiety signs and symptoms for example racing heartbeat, breathlessness, and muscle tension.

The outcomes were sustained publish treatment, with lower self-reported anxiety maintained after 6 days. Neurofeedback is really a revolutionary type of biofeedback that particularly concentrates on redirecting brainwaves that might be leading to anxiety, together with many other nerve conditions like chronic discomfort and stress attacks. It may be particularly helpful for training the mind to consider in healthy normal designs, and steer clear of falling into designs that cause anxiety. Follow the linked text to understand more about neurofeedback.

Is Biofeedback Suitable for Me?

With the information provided it can help to determine whether biofeedback for anxiety can help you together with your signs and symptoms. The good thing is biofeedback has proven no unwanted effects, so giving it a go has fairly little downside. Embracing dangerous anti-anxiety medicines isn't your main option, and you ought to consider natural remedies before putting yourself in danger.

There's not just one easy cure-all for the disorder, but you will find steps you can take to create coping with anxiety simpler. Anxiety patients often discover that by exploring all of the treatments, they're able to better find relief for his or her signs and symptoms and their anxiety in a workable level. Coping with anxiety does not have to feel impossible, be positive regarding your treatment and you may learn how to seize control of the disorder.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ANXIETY

What are the Best Vitamins for Fibromyalgia?

Are There Any Vitamins for Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a terrible condition to have – one that causes generalized pain and sensitivity all over a sufferer's body. Worse, it's not fully understood by doctors, so there are few treatment options available.

If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, you may be researching potential alternative treatments that can help to alleviate some of your symptoms. Though there aren't rigorous scientific studies on any of these, anecdotal and experiential evidence suggests that many sufferers are finding some relief by taking one or a combination of the following supplements and vitamins for fibromyalgia:

1.       5-HTP-This is a chemical synthesized from tryptophan, the substance found in foods such as turkey and milk. It is thought to help increase the amount of serotonin produced in the brain, which in turn helps alleviate some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

2.       Capsicum-Many people know of capsaicin, a chemical found in red chili peppers that makes food spicy and may promote weight loss, but the fruit of the red pepper plant can also be used to create capsicum, and may be effective in treating muscle pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.

3.       Magnesium-This is a mineral that everyone's body needs. It's present in large amounts in our internal systems, and it is vital to hundreds of chemical reactions our bodies perform every day. If you have normal magnesium levels, you may not find this particularly effective, but there is some research that suggests fibromyalgia is worsened by a magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiencies are actually quite common in Americans, especially among the elderly and the African-American populations.

4.       SAMe-This is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that is used to treat osteoarthritis, arthritis, migraines, and more. Around the world, many countries require a prescription for SAMe, but in the U.S., it is one of the most commonly purchased vitamins for fibromyalgia, and it is available over the counter.

5.       Vitamin D-A recent study in Austria found that people suffering from chronic pain due to fibromyalgia may get some relief by taking Vitamin D. Researchers found an association between decreased pain levels and this particular supplementation; however, they couldn't establish a cause-and-effect link, so more scientific study is necessary. Vitamin D is one of the most common and inexpensive vitamins for fibromyalgia, and it's nearly impossible to get too much (so long as you don't exceed 2,000 IUs per day for adults and 1,000 IU per day for infants.)

There are many more supplements and vitamins for fibromyalgia currently undergoing scientific study and review. Those listed above, in combination with treatments prescribed by your doctor, may help you find some relief. 

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR FIBROMYALGIA AND CHRONIC PAIN

Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Myofascial Pain Syndrome vs. Fibromyalgia: Similarities and Differences

Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are two similar disorders that can drastically reduce the quality of life for those who suffer from it. Oftentimes, those that suffer from one also suffers from the other, and other times patients are diagnosed with one when they actually are afflicted with the other.

What are the similarities and differences between myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia? Here is a quick primer:

The Similarities:

Both fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome are characterized by extreme sensitivity and pain in the absence of trauma or injury. They both cause sleep disturbances, and the chronic level of pain can cause depression and anxiety. They also both occur alongside chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Differences:

Myofascial pain syndrome usually manifests as pain and sensitivity in specific muscles or parts of the body, while fibromyalgia tends to affect a sufferer generally whereas they feel sore and sensitive all over their body. People with myofascial pain syndrome have trigger points, which are hard knots in the muscle that cause pain in both the trigger point and elsewhere along the nerve. This is not the same as a tender point for fibromyalgia – a trigger point can be eliminated with the right therapy, whereas fibromyalgia's tender points are chronic and much more difficult to treat. Where fibromyalgia is a neuroendocrine disorder (meaning it affects the brain's neurotransmitter cells) myofascial pain syndrome is neuromuscular, meaning that it affects the nerves that control voluntary muscles.

The most important distinction between these disorders is the fact that of the two, myofascial pain syndrome is easier to treat because there are specific treatment plans that works for most people. If you suffer from both conditions, seeking out a treatment that can alleviate the symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome can also calm the pain that results from fibromyalgia.

Treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome with Biofeedback

Electromyography biofeedback has become a popular – and effective – therapy for sufferers of myofascial pain syndrome because it is safe, non-invasive, and doesn't involve medications. Biofeedback helps a doctor understand where a patient's trigger points are, and can help a patient learn to regain control of their improperly regulated muscle. Biofeedback for myofascial pain syndrome comes in two varieties: static procedures, which are used to find tension in the muscles, and dynamic procedures, which can help to correct muscles' electrical characteristics and restore imbalances in the body's biomechanical processes.

If you are suffering from myofascial pain syndrome, talk to your doctor about learning to manage it with biofeedback today. It may be just the therapy you need to start living a pain-free life.

Neurofeedback for ADHD - With Dr. Guy Annunziata

How can you use neurofeedback for ADHD? In this video, Stefan Georgi of Market Taffy interviews Dr. Guy Annunziata, the founder of BrainCore Therapy. Dr. Guy provides an excellent overview of what neurofeedback is, covers neurofeedback research, and explains specifically how it is used for ADHD. You can find out more about neurofeedback and BrainCore by visiting:http://www.braincoretherapy.com

Are There Neurofeedback Side Effects?

Let’s Talk Side Effects

If the concern about neurofeedback side effects has dissuaded you from contemplating this groundbreaking method of managing disorders such as ADD, consider otherwise. Beyond the fact that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared neurofeedback safe and no known side effects have ever been formally established; let’s examine your alternatives. Historically, in managing a neurological disorder, there have been few established options:

 • Medication
 • Psychotherapy or cognitive training
• Surgical procedures

There are potential side effects to these three options; however, neurofeedback has no side effects. In regards to medication, besides the potential for forming a reliance or habit, pharmaceutical side effects can range anywhere from minor inconveniences (i.e. dry mouth, irritability) to major issues (i.e. seizures, internal bleeding, death). While the major side effects are extremely rare, the minor ones are rather commonplace and should be viewed as a trade-off patients agree to in return for subduing other symptoms. While therapy and cognitive training come with no physical side effects, there is no guarantee of success, and the process can try your patience and your emotional fortitude. Lastly, when it comes to surgery, it is invasive, requires significant recovery time in most cases, and always comes with a certain degree of risk.

Alleviating Fears About Neurofeedback

Hearing what we just discussed may sound quite frightening, but fortunately you have other options. In addition to there being no established neurofeedback side effects, the process itself is painless, noninvasive, and aimed to provide you with a future free from other forms of managing ADD. Neurofeedback therapy is all conducted with nothing more than EEG sensors and high-tech reading devices. You are never poked, prodded, or pumped full of anything. In addition, the process is designed to teach your brain to self-regulate, meaning after a certain point, you should optimally require no more sessions at all. That’s right; your brain will learn to correct its own problems naturally by redirecting and retraining brainwave patterns that have gone awry. With an FDA-declared safe procedure and no know neurofeedback side effects; the time is now to manage your neurological disorder with BrainCore’s cutting edge therapy.

NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

What is an Electroencephalogram (EEG)?

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a way that doctors, scientists, and researchers can record brain activity while someone performs a task. They do this by fitting a network of electrodes on someone's scalp, which then measures electrical activity in the brain. The electrodes are painless and harmless; in fact, patients outfitted with them don't even feel a sensation other than the electrodes resting on their scalp. EEG is completely non-invasive, meaning there are no injections, and it doesn't use X-rays or radiation. It is considered safe by the scientific and medical communities, except in very rare cases where a patient with a pre-existing seizure disorder may respond to the flashing lights or breathing patterns involved in recording brain activity. A patient would be tested for any potential problems before undergoing EEG.

Traditionally, EEG has been used to diagnose epilepsy, but it has also proved a useful tool in collecting information about sleep disorders and other brain disorders, which are known as encephalopathies – hence the name of the device. The technology is actually more than 100 years old, but over time technicians and scientists have improved the effectiveness and increased the applications with more disorders.

More recently, EEG has shown great promise in the science of neurofeedback, in which people suffering from various brain disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), drug or alcohol addiction, autism, depression, or migraine headaches are able to learn to manage their disorders naturally. They do this at a special clinic, under the supervision of a doctor or technician, by being placed on an EEG and performing activities (usually a game) while monitoring their own brainwaves. This device then collects neurological and physiological information about the patient and displays it in an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand format that the patient can monitor.

In this way, many patients are able to "retrain" their brain by recognizing the way their thoughts affect their brainwave activity, and learning to think, breathe or act in new ways to restore their neurological activity to a healthy, normal configuration, rather than taking potentially harmful stimulants, personality-altering antidepressants or other powerful psychotropic drugs.

Because EEG is safe and free of side effects, it is rapidly gaining popularity with adults and also with children as a way to treat neurological disorders, such as ADHD, without using stimulants or other chemicals.

Neurofeedback Therapy Side Effects

What are the Side Effects of Neurofeedback Therapy?

If you have a condition that you believe could improve through the use of neurofeedback therapy, you are probably doing research before consulting your doctor. How effective is it? How safe is it? What are the side effects?

 According to a study jointly published by the U.S. National Institute of Health, the National Library of Medicine, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information, there are no side effects associated with neurofeedback therapy. You can read the results for yourself here. Though the study was focused on treatment for just one disorder – attention deficit disorder (ADD) – the results clearly state that there are no neurofeedback therapy side effects.

 In fact, the primary technology used in neurofeedback therapy has been used safely for over a century. It's called electroencephalography (EEG) and essentially consists of affixing electrodes to an individual’s scalp in order to read electrical information in their brain. The only "side effects" of EEG are really "after effects," and they consist of a little bit of redness – never any pain – from where the electrodes attach to the skin. The redness wears off after a very short time, after which no one would ever know the electrodes were there.

 Compare this to the side effects of stimulants, which increase the heart rate, exacerbate anxiety and causes drastic appetite loss. Or the side effects of some antidepressants, which cause sexual problems, loss of enthusiasm and motivation, and in some cases, worsen the very conditions they are trying to improve. There are many side effects that accompany the powerful psychotropic drugs used to treat the same disorders as neurofeedback. When you compare those side effects to twelve weeks of behavioral therapy with harmless, painless electrodes attached to your scalp, it becomes pretty clear as to which is the more desirable.

 In neurofeedback, the EEG is used to monitor brain waves that are disrupted by disorders like anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), and other maladies of the brain's executive function. This information is then transmitted to a screen, where the patient can see visual representations of their neurological activity and through this therapy can then learn to perform actions that restore brain waves to healthy, functional patterns. It is a form of training, rather than a medication or an invasive procedure, and for some people it is just as effective as a pharmacological treatment. 

Neurofeedback is so safe that it has been overwhelmingly approved for use in children. So there you have it – there are no neurofeedback therapy side effects. If you think neurofeedback would be an effective treatment for your condition, talk to your doctor today – you have nothing to worry about!

MORE ABOUT NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY

Biofeedback Definition

Because biofeedback is at the forefront of advances in the medical industry, it can be difficult to find a good, working definition that isn’t too confusing.

Here is an excellent definition: biofeedback is a safe, non-invasive therapy that teaches patients to control their own physiological and neurological activity without the use of medication.

Biofeedback is usually based on measurements of:
 • Blood pressure
 • Brain waves (EEG)
 • Breathing
 • Heart rate
 • Muscle tension
 • Skin conductivity of electricity
 • Skin temperature

 Electrical sensors are attached to your body, which then collects information about a variety of processes. You will see visuals of these various bodily processes, such as brainwave activity in the case of neurofeedback, skin temperature, or tension, as well as a variety of others. Individuals are then taught to perform actions that help to regulate these processes into healthy, functional patterns. After about twelve weeks of therapy, most patients have the ability to notice the subtle workings of their body and the disturbances caused by their particular affliction and have learned to manage their symptoms.

 Although biofeedback is a relatively new concept, some of the technology behind it is over a century old. Where before many biofeedback machines were used solely for scientific research or rarefied medical conditions, now the benefits are available for a host of issues. These include chronic pain, edema, hypertension, Raynaud's disease, excessive sweating, and incontinence. There are also disorders of the brain's executive function that have proven responsive to biofeedback, including attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders.

Best of all, unlike the many medication therapies available for the disorders mentioned above, biofeedback has no side effects, and the learned behaviors provide lasting or, in some cases, lifelong relief from symptoms. Biofeedback has no invasive procedures, and it is an excellent treatment for children, who generally enjoy the activities prescribed to them during their biofeedback sessions.

There are many biofeedback options available, ranging from large machines in a medical center to apps you can download for your smartphone. If you have a condition that you believe could be improved through the use of biofeedback, be sure to talk to your doctor.

How does Neurofeedback Work?

Neurofeedback is a method that directly trains brain function. The brain’s activity is measured using precision sensors, generally the electroencephalogram (EEG), and the information recorded by the device is shown to the person undergoing neurofeedback. It is a gradual learning process, during which people become trained to control the processes of their own brain. Neurofeedback primarily addresses dysregulated brainwaves which encompass a number of neurological disorders such as: anxiety, depression, ADD, ADHD, insomnia, migraines, and chronic pain – just to name a few.  

So how does neurofeedback work? In a way, neurofeedback involves the concept of “mind over matter,” with the matter being the physical brain and its processes. This kind of self-regulation can be applied to help the nervous system function better.

How is Neurofeedback Carried Out?

During neurofeedback sessions, an electroencephalogram (EEG) is used. Electrodes are attached to the scalp, and function as sensors that detect electrical activity in the brain. The oscillations of this activity are shown to the patient, and providers explain what the frequencies mean and which ones are desirable or undesirable.

Neurofeedback training is often undertaken using a “video game” that responds to certain brainwave frequencies, specific to the individual and their particular condition. These “games” involve activities like moving a ball or a mouse up and down, which helps guide the individual’s brain toward optimal performance. As these capabilities are learned, they are reinforced through repetition.

Who Performs Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback Therapy is generally provided by psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and other mental health professionals. It is also sometimes done by clinical social workers, nurses, and educators.

How Well Does Neurofeedback Work?

The human brain is designed for learning and skill acquisition, and neurofeedback has proven highly effective in teaching people to learn to improve their brain function. Many patients find that the results exceed their expectations, and are amazed at just how effective it actually is.

Neurofeedback is proven to be most effective for disorders that are rooted in brain regulation including:

·         Anxiety

·         Depression

·         ADD/ADHD

·         Addiction

·         Memory loss

 Neurofeedback has also been found to be effective in treating some sleep disorders such as: bed wetting, night terrors, and sleepwalking. Additionally, neurofeedback researchers investigating its use in other, more serious and intractable disorders, including seizures and Autism Spectrum disorders.

Neurofeedback Therapy