What exactly is Neurofeedback?
Simply stated, Neurofeedback is a process that trains the brain to function better. It is a computer interface training program that gives back to the brain information about itself in a way that rewards mental fitness and higher function. When the brain is given precise information about itself, it will trigger a huge capacity for change.
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, non-medical alternative treatment for ADD, Autism,Anxiety and many other conditions. When it is part of a comprehensive treatment program, Neurofeedback can improve attention, behavior, mood, performance, and motivation. It is a proven aid in the in the recovery of head injury, post-traumatic stress, and other brain-based problems.
Advancements in computer technology allow the measurement of instantaneous electrical activity in the brain through electrodes pasted to the head. Neurofeedback training rewards the user with sounds and video animations closely linked to improvement in the brain’s activity. The computer generates a series of rewards faster than the brain can typically respond to it. This triggers the mind’s attention to first be guided by the computer’s rewards, rather than to follow old thought patterns that negatively affect health and limit personal achievement. Functionally, Neurofeedback becomes a guidance system for the mind that trains the brain to bypass unhealthy patterns and create a new experience of wellness that the individual can’t achieve alone. Over time the experience becomes permanent as better neural pathways are formed in the brain.
What makes it work?
Neuroscience now understands that the brain’s functions are more flexible and capable of change than previously imagined. The ability of the brain to correct, reorganize, and change itself at a physiological level is called neuroplasticity. Simply stated, the brain has the capacity for physical change. In the past it was believed that the brain had very limited ability to change or recover lost functioning especially after illness or injury. Neurofeedback measures the encephalograph (EEG) of the brain and presents the brain with corrective information to activate, change, and accelerate nature’s own healing process.
To further understand how Neurofeedback helps correct the brain, the concept of homeostasis must be explained. It simply means there is a natural state of balance where the body and mind work together to keep it functioning normally. By Nature, living things strive to be well. Homeostasis contends that when conditions are right, the potentials for healing, health, and well-being will increase accordingly. Neurofeedback training creates and rewards ideal conditions for the brain to improve over time. Modern Neurofeedback systems measure problems in the EEG and compare them to an EEG data base of normal EEGs. A treatment protocol is created that rewards ideal conditions for the brain to be guided toward homeostasis, where healing and self-correction take place.
Who benefits from Neurofeedback?
Training the brain using Neurofeedback helps correct a number of problems. It is known to improve attention, alertness, and cognitive function by increasing the level of arousal in specific parts of the brain. This is helpful for conditions such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Autism, learning disabilities, and many other conditions where the brain’s EEG is slow or under aroused. Oppositely, some conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, and sleeping disorders require decreasing the level arousal in other parts of the brain.
Since different parts of the brain control different mental functions, with some conditions, it is possible for one part of the brain to be under aroused while yet another part is over aroused. An example could be a person with depression caused by under arousal of the left frontal lobe of the brain where outward expression and motivation are regulated. The same person could also have anxiety problems because the right hemisphere of the brain is over aroused where emotions are regulated. Neurofeedback can effectively treat this condition by stimulating and increasing arousal the left frontal area lifting the person out of depression, while calming and decreasing arousal in the right hemisphere to relieve anxiety. This is just one of many possibilities where multiple instances of under and over arousal exists in different parts of the brain causing a mixture of symptoms. With Neurofeedback we can design individualized treatment protocols for specific areas of the brain and implement them simultaneously.
Is Neurofeedback medicine?
Neurofeedback is not medicine however it can be as effective or even surpass the effectiveness of medical treatment. Technically it is a non-invasive non-medical training program. The term non-invasive means that nothing enters or is applied to the body such as medicine or electricity. Since nothing enters the body in physical sense, Neurofeedback procedures are considered a non-medical, but highly technical training program for the brain. People with little information about Neurofeedback believe that electricity is applied to the brain to change it. Neurofeedback training only measures the brain’s the EEG from electrodes gently pasted on the scalp. A computer/brain interface generates sounds and animated graphics precisely timed to improvements in brain function. Over time the brain remembers the pattern and is able to access the improved condition without the use of Neurofeedback. In many cases the change becomes permanent.
Can Neurofeedback replace medication?
Neurofeedback is not a substitute for medication, although many have benefited to the degree that medication levels could be reduced or stopped all together. Neurofeedback training is generally done in addition to comprehensive treatment program. Always consult your prescribing physician before making changes to your medications. Most of the time Neurofeedback training can begin without changing any of your medications, but you should first ask your physician if Neurofeedback is a viable option. You should never attempt to substitute any medication with Neurofeedback on your own. Your physician must be fully aware of it and agree to it. A gradual transition away from some medications may be possible over time, but doing so quickly without the support of your physician by result in serious complications and setbacks to your recovery.
Treatment with medication tends to affect the whole brain whereas Neurofeedback can be quite specific. For example, a child given a psycho-stimulant medication such as Ritalin may see some relief from Attention Deficit symptoms, such as paying better attention and improved performance in school. However, in some cases there are documented side effects with medication including nervousness, agitation, anxiety and irritability, trouble sleeping, decreased appetite, headache, stomach ache, nausea, dizziness, heart palpitations, and others. This is because stimulant medication increases the arousal level of the entire brain, including areas of the brain that don’t need it. In other words, areas that may be functioning normally before medication may become over aroused during its use causing additional symptoms and side effects. While one or more symptoms may be controlled by medication, other problems may emerge. Neurofeedback training is able to focus on one or more specific problem areas in the brain to minimize side effects.
Is Neurofeedback a cure?
Neurofeedback is a exercise program for the brain that strengthens and guides the mind into self-correction and homeostasis. It that regard, it has been known to correct and be a powerful aid in the remission of specific conditions. It is not a guaranteed cure, but rather a catalyst for change and self-improvement.
What are the chances it will help?
It is generally agreed by Neurofeedback providers that approximately eighty percent of all participants trying Neurofeedback will experience a positive outcome. The Internet abounds with reports of dramatic improvement made with Neurofeedback training. Approximately twenty percent will experience a very high degree of satisfaction and these figures will vary with the skill and experience of the practitioner.
Almost everyone trying Neurofeedback training will respond to some degree, but not everyone will achieve the results they had hoped for. With every treatment modality there are those that don’t respond as well as others. Approximately 20 percent of all participants will respond too slowly for the benefits to exceed the cost of the training, and in extreme cases there may be no measurable benefit. In spite of poor responses in some cases, Neurofeedback users are overwhelming reporting positive outcomes indicated by its ever growing popularity and acceptance around the world.
How many treatments are necessary?
We recommend Neurofeedback training be done in blocks of ten sessions, although some people prefer starting with just a few sessions before attempting a series. Many users notice some improvement after the first session while others may not see a noticeable difference until the series is complete. You can expect to see some results after the first few sessions, but the best results will come over time. If someone has not responded favorably after two series of ten sessions, we recommend not continuing Neurofeedback.
How frequent should the sessions be?
We recommend the initial sessions be done in quick succession for optimum results. Two or three times per week for the first ten sessions will tend to bring the best results. This is especially true for difficult cases. When a positive trend is established we reduce the number of session to once or twice per week. As therapeutic goals are achieved, the frequency may be further minimized. Some clients will choose to stop treatment after a successful series, while other may return from time to time if they feel they are continuing to improve, or if they find occasional sessions help them maintain what they have achieved. Fifteen to forty sessions is the typical range for most individuals, although some have reported favorable results with less. We have many long term clients with chronic conditions and others that simply like the having Neurofeedback training occassionally to enhance their mental health and wellbeing.
Are there side-effects?
Neurofeedback training is very safe and there is only a slight risk for side-effects. Sometimes after the beginning sessions there may an experience of physical or emotional change that at first seems confusing or uncomfortable. This is predictable and is generally a sign that the process is working. Sometimes users may experience shifts in sleeping patterns, a mild headache, or vivid dreams. These things are should only last for a brief period of time and a competent practitioner should be able to adjust the treatment protocols to manage it.
In some cases Neurofeedback Training may not be appropriate. This would include situations where life threatening conditions are present, or when the user is frail oo medically unstable. Such cases would include high risk seizure disorders, heart conditions, open head injuries, or bi-polar and psychiatric conditions where manic or psychotic episodes occur. If in doubt ask your doctor if Neurofeedback is an appropriate therapy.