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 

What Is an EEG Test?

An EEG test, or “electroencephalogram”, is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain. An EEG test produces a readout that graphs the oscillating frequencies of these electrical activities. By looking at these oscillations, physicians can identify abnormalities in order to assess and diagnose a variety of neurological issues. 

What is an EEG Test Used For? 

An EEG test can be a crucial diagnostic tool for many neurological disorders.

·         EEG tests can be used to distinguish between different types of seizures. For example, if a patient appears to have absence seizures, there are certain distinct brainwave patterns in an EEG that a neurologist can look for to determine whether they are “typical” or “atypical” absence seizures.

·         EEG tests are helpful in diagnosing sleep disorders. Different types and stages of sleep produce distinct patterns on EEGs.

·         During surgery, EEG patterns can be used to identify the depth of anesthesia.

·         In patients who are comatose or in a vegetative state, EEG patterns can assess the level of consciousness. This is also important in the context of declaring brain death, which determines whether or not a patient will be kept alive artificially. 

How is an EEG Test Performed? 

An EEG test is carried out in a hospital, laboratory, or doctor’s office. It is a painless, noninvasive procedure.

The patient reclines or lies on their back. Electrodes are attached to the scalp using a special conductive adhesive gel. The electrodes are connected by wires to a machine that records the electrical activity, which is charted as waves on a computer-like screen. Sometimes the electrodes are attached to one another via a cap or net.  

How Do I Prepare for My EEG Test? 

-          Wash your hair the night before your EEG test is scheduled. Refrain from using conditioner, oils, or leave-in products.

-          If you have hair extensions, ask the nurse about specific instructions.

-          Your physician may ask you to stop using one or more of your medications prior to the test.

-          Avoid caffeine for at least 8 hours prior to the test.

-          If you are going to need to sleep during the EEG test, you may be asked to reduce your amount of sleep the night before.

An EEG test is a safe, painless, noninvasive procedure that uses electrodes placed on the scalp to measure electrical activity in the brain. This information can be used to assess and diagnose various neurological and sleep disorders. 

BIOFEEDBACK EEG THERAPY

Boosting Your Brain with Neurofeedback Therapy

Neurofeedback: An Overview

Neurofeedback therapy is an advanced new treatment used for a plethora of neurological disorders. Also referred to as EEG biofeedback, it is a noninvasive brain training technique that enables patients to drastically improve quality of life. Through directly training the brain to self-regulate a variety of functions, many neurological problems can be disabled at the root of the problem, potentially ridding patients of nasty and hampering symptoms.

How does it Work?

Neurofeedback therapy follows the following basic steps:

1)     Pre-therapy Assessment: Typically, the patient will have electrodes attached to their head as doctors will observe and record brain activity. Patients may be exposed to certain stimuli in order to arouse specific brain functions which doctors wish to observe.

2)     Development of Treatment Plan: Upon receiving the results of each patient’s assessment, doctors will perform analysis to isolate abnormal brainwave patterns. Based on the problems observed, a unique neurofeedback therapy regiment will be designed for each patient.

3)     Training Sessions: Neurofeedback therapy professionals will guide patients through a series of brain exercises, which can take the place of a film, a puzzle, music, or other mediums. Using feedback from these exercises, the therapy is able to normalize brainwave activity by rewarding or emphasizing certain activity and punishing or diminishing other activity. For instance, when a subject is paying attention to an exercise it will continue and when attention wanes, the exercise stalls or stops. This is what we mean by “training the brain”. It is truly amazing how the body wants to innately correct its problem, and neurofeedback therapy leverages this phenomenon.

What Conditions does Neurofeedback Treat?

Neurofeedback therapy has proven effective against numerous disorders, ranging from the most common to the very rare. Here are some specific disorders that the therapy has already proven an effective intervention against:

·         Anxiety or Panic Disorder

·         Attention Deficit Disorder

·         Autism

·         Bipolar Disorder

·         Cerebral Palsy

·         Chronic Pain Syndrome

·         Headaches

·         Insomnia

·         Memory Loss Disorders

·         Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

·         Sleep Issues

There are many more neurological disorders that neurofeedback therapy has proven effective against, and not just in the short term. The goal of the therapy is to provide patients with the natural mechanisms to control brain functions, and thus disorders, for the rest of their lives. While many sessions may be needed to permanently “install” these tools, neurofeedback therapy is not a never-ending commitment, and this is a small price to pay for a potential lifetime of lasting mental health.

HOW NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY WORKS