Neurofeedback

Think of Neurofeedback as weight training for the brain. If you want to strengthen a specific muscle, you challenge the muscle by lifting weights. With Neurofeedback you go to training sessions and exercise the neural pathways to strengthen your brain!

With Neurofeedback you are exercising the pathways in the brain that control mental processing.

What is Neurofeedback:

Electrical patterns that are produce by neurons within the brain are called brain waves and sensors placed on the head can pick up this electrical activity using an electroencephalogram (EEG).

Using computerized feedback, the brain learns to increase certain brainwaves that are helpful for improved function. The brain can decrease excessive fast or slow brainwaves that interfere with good function. Over time, the result is a healthier and better regulated brain.

When you give the brain information about itself, it has an enormous capacity for change. Neurofeedback makes the information available to the brain almost instantly and asks it to make adjustments.

Can Neurofeedback training be used while a patient is on medication?

Yes. Therapists report many patients start Neurofeedback while on one or more medications.

After a number of Neurofeedback sessions, a reduction in medications is not unusual. Neurofeedback can be used as an alternative to medication or in addition to medication. How do these changes occur? It is well known that the EEG changes with medication. The EEG also changes during Neurofeedback, so it's not surprising that changes in medications may be necessary. The theory is that as the brain becomes more activated during training (increased blood flow), the brain works more efficiently. A regulated brain uses all substances more efficiently.

Neurofeedback is complementary to other treatment approaches and may help them to be more effective.

What different disorders can Neurofeedback address?

See - http://www.eegspectrum.com

Do the benefits of EEG training hold long after training is completed?

In general, therapist report that it does if the client has done enough training and the right type of training. Just as MD's vary in their success of using medications, results may vary also. Therapists commonly report long lasting and often permanent changes.

Certain individuals may experience a relapse at some point. The trigger could be an injury, trauma or extreme stress. There may be underlying neurological issues or genetic vulnerabilities or other factors. It varies by client - some will hold and never need "maintenance" sessions. For others, ongoing training may be appropriate. Once someone has gone through intensive training, occasional "maintenance" sessions can be sufficient to get them back on track. The intensive training is seldom needed again - occasional "tune-ups" can work quite well.

The brain is devoted to its own regulation. Once it learns how to do so, it tends to retain the information.

What are side effects of Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is not a drug. Instead of using chemicals to alter brain activity, Neurofeedback training uses the latest computer technology to teach people to maintain focus and concentration.

Neurofeedback training is self-regulation training, where there are no known negative physical side effects. Unlike stimulant medications - which is effective only for the short-term management of behavior - Neurofeedback has positive effects that last.

I've decided to try Neurofeedback, now what do I do?

Call and set up an appointment for a comprehensive assessment of reported symptoms. Assessment are often 60 minutes in length.

Neurofeedback training sessions are then set up. Training sessions are often 45-50 minutes in length.

How many training sessions does it take?

Initially two training sessions a week for ten weeks are recommended - though it depends on the individual.

In most cases, therapist recommend a minimum of 30-40 sessions, with certain situations requiring more sessions. The goal is to complete enough training to insure consistent and lasting benefits.