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Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback, is a therapeutic intervention that leverages the principles of learning and neuroplasticity to enhance brain function. It is grounded in the real-time monitoring of brain waves and the provision of feedback to individuals about their neural activity, enabling them to make conscious adjustments. This process involves the use of sensors placed on the scalp to detect electrical patterns generated by brain activity, which are then visualized on a computer screen or translated into auditory or tactile feedback.
History of Neurofeedback
The origins of neurofeedback can be traced back to the early 20th century, with significant contributions from pioneers like Hans Berger, the inventor of the electroencephalogram (EEG). However, the practical application of EEG for biofeedback purposes gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, notably through the work of researchers such as Joe Kamiya at the University of California, San Francisco, who discovered that people could learn to alter their alpha brain waves when given feedback. Another key figure, Barry Sterman, at UCLA, identified that cats could be trained to control their sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) brain waves, a discovery that paved the way for neurofeedback treatment in humans, particularly for conditions like epilepsy.
Applications and Usage
Neurofeedback has been applied in various settings, from clinical environments for the management of neurological disorders to performance enhancement in sports and professional fields. Its applications include, but are not limited to, treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), seizure disorders, and sleep disorders. Additionally, neurofeedback has been utilized to improve cognitive performance, stress management, and artistic and athletic abilities.
Types of Neurofeedback
The type of neurofeedback our clinicians provide, Bi-Hemispheric Frequency Neurofeedback Training, is highly researched and consistent across years of scientific findings. This is the most traditional form, focusing on increasing or decreasing specific brainwave frequencies, such as alpha, beta, delta, or theta waves, depending on the training goals outlined in the qEEG.
Efficacy and Research
Neurofeedback research has been an evolving field that has shown incredible promise. This body of research spans several decades and encompasses various methodologies, populations, and conditions. The core premise of neurofeedback is to train individuals to alter their neural rhythms, leading to desired changes in behavior or cognitive processes. Statistics kept internally show that approximately 88% of people, across all diagnoses, respond well to neurofeedback
Key Findings and Applications
1. ADHD: One of the most researched applications of neurofeedback is in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Studies have shown that neurofeedback can lead to improvements in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. A meta-analysis by Arns, de Ridder, Strehl, Breteler, and Coenen (2009) concluded that neurofeedback treatment for ADHD is efficacious and specific.
2. Anxiety and Depression: Neurofeedback has been explored as a treatment for anxiety and depression, with some studies indicating that it can help reduce symptoms. Training protocols often focus on enhancing alpha waves or reducing beta waves to induce relaxation and reduce arousal, which is typically elevated in anxious individuals.
3. Epilepsy: Research by Sterman and others has demonstrated that neurofeedback can be effective in reducing seizure frequency in individuals with epilepsy, particularly through the reinforcement of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) frequencies.
4. Performance Enhancement: Beyond clinical applications, neurofeedback has been used for cognitive and performance enhancement in healthy individuals. This includes improving attention, reducing performance anxiety in athletes and performers, and enhancing artistic creativity.
Neurofeedback training is one of the most exciting clinical advancements in the healthcare field to date. Neurofeedback uses the power of self regulation to directly address areas of the brain that have started to function outside of normal ranges. With each training sessions, you will learn how to increase (or decrease!) activity and work towards optimal brain health. The result, a long-lasting, drug-free, non-invasive way of making you and your brain happy.
During a neurofeedback session, the individual begins by settling into a comfortable chair, where the practitioner attaches small, non-invasive sensors to the scalp to monitor brain activity. Initially, there's a brief period of relaxation to establish a baseline of brain activity before the actual training begins.
As the session progresses into the training phase, the individual's brain waves are displayed on a monitor, and they receive real-time feedback through various forms like games, movies, or music that respond to their brain's activity. This feedback is positive and immediate, rewarding the brain for producing desirable patterns of activity. The practitioner might make adjustments to the session's parameters to keep the brain engaged and challenged.
At the end of the session, there's often a discussion between the practitioner and the individual about the session's data, progress made, and areas for improvement. This review helps in planning future sessions, making adjustments as needed based on the individual's response to the training.
A typical session can last from 20-30 minutes, and the total number of sessions required usually falls between 40 to 60 total sessions, but can vary depending on the individual's goals and how they respond to the training. The process is tailored to each individual's needs, whether that's improving focus, reducing anxiety, or other objectives, making each neurofeedback experience unique. The sessions are safe and relaxing, with minimal side effects (fatigue after session may be experienced by some clients, usually subsiding within the first five to 10 sessions).
The brain mapping, also known as a quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG), allows our clinical staff to non-invasively measure and assess brainwave activity at 19 major hubs of activity around the scalp. Each individual brain will have its own signature and the results are called a brain map. Your results are compared to a database of thousands of other brain maps that are within the same age group or developmental stage. This comparison allows our team to precisely identify which areas of the brain are functioning outside of normal ranges. Years of research has shown that there are specific biomarkers or common electrical patterns that are associated with different disorders. For example, children with ADHD will show excessive slow-wave activity in the front of their brains.
Brain mapping gives our clinical staff the information necessary to customize a neurofeedback training program that is entirely unique to your brain's needs. Information identified in the brain mapping can help explain why some symptoms continue to interfere with our quality of life.
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After the completion of your brain mapping, an appointment will be scheduled with our clinic director, Dr. Adriana Steffens, BCN, to review the results. Her 15+ years of experience interpreting QEEG results means no stone will go un-turned as she provides you with a clear understanding of why the brain is functioning the way it is. A detailed report will be provided that includes a summary of the findings, as well as metabolic and natural supplement suggestions that will help make your training as successful as possible..
Your results from each brain mapping will also be used to assist Dr. Steffens as she creates a training plan for future neurofeedback sessions.
Neurofeedback training is when the areas of electrical dysregulation shown in the brain map will be addressed. Training sessions will teach the brain to function more optimally by recording the brain in real time and rewarding it when certain goals are met. The reward that is produced conditions the brain to continue "behaving" in this new more optimal way. Clients may choose between training with the eyes open and working to generate a visual reward on a monitor placed in front of them, or with the eyes closed to produce a pleasing tone. The visual reward and the pleasing tone are the "feedback" portions of neurofeedback. With each reward, your brain will be teaching itself to function more optimally.
Most individuals are able to see significant or complete elimination of negative symptoms in 40-60 sessions. Although the rate of sessions varies, most client will train 2-3 times a week. In that time, the brain will have rewired itself creating lasting changes.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) training is also offered before each of your neurofeedback sessions. Heart rate regulation prompted by deep controlled breathing can help you to turn off the "Fight or Flight" sensation and enter a calmer more controlled state of mind. Our technicians will use biofeedback equipment specifically meant for HRV training to guide you from a state of heighten stress to a place of peace.
Sample Neurofeedback Session
After 20 sessions of neurofeedback, a brain mapping appointment will be scheduled and the results will again be interpreted for you by Dr. Steffens. Together you will discuss progress, establish future goals, and review options moving forward. The information received in the follow up brain mapping will again be used to design your unique neurofeedback training protocol for the next group of 20 sessions.
Sample Pre-Post Neurofeedback training QEEG
Get in touch with our team and we will provide you with the information for the cost of brain mapping and neurofeedback training.
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