Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is one type of biofeedback wherein maps of brain activity offer the data. A patient entering into neurofeedback therapy is first interviewed to discern if they are a good candidate–someone with neurological disabilities such as extreme anxiety, insomnia, addiction or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Once the patient is determined to be a good candidate, a map is made of the brain through a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG). This map is then compared to a base group of brain maps previously determined to represent “healthy normals.” Of course, not all abnormalities are unhealthy; however, if brain activity is irregular, such as showing slow brain activity, and the patient verbalizes symptoms that correlate with the brain map, such as a complaint of lack of concentration, neurofeedback may help.
Approximately 25 to 35 sessions are recommended, usually done two to three times weekly. In these sessions, sensors are strategically attached to the head to read brain activity and the patient is able to watch a screen and/or listen to sounds in correlation with his/her own brain activity. The patients, particularly children, enjoy watching Pac-man and Space Invaders while utilizing their brain activity to move the characters opposed to their hands. Patients also enjoy listening to music or peaceful sounds which represent their own brain activity and “over time, with learning, a person’s baseline brainwave can become closer and closer to ideal.”
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The basics of neurofeedback
- The sensors with conducting gel are placed gently against the scalp and serve to deliver brainwave information to the computer.
- Using neurofeedback, the client observes their brain activity in ‘real time’.
- The client then learns somehow to self-regulate, and ‘normalize’ the targeted brainwave patterns.
Who benefits from neurofeedback?
Mind/body medicine, also known as behavioral medicine, focuses on the ways the mind and emotions influence physical health. Mind-body medicine focuses on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior, and on the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioral factors can directly affect health. It regards as fundamental an approach that respects and enhances each person's capacity for self-knowledge and self-care, and it emphasizes techniques that are grounded in this approach.The following syndromes have published evidence of effectiveness using Neurofeedback:
- ADHD / ADD
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorders
- Insomnia
- Addiction
- Depression
- Epilepsy
What evidence-based research support exists for neurofeedback?
- academic cognitive enhancement
- addiction
- behavior disorders
- brain injury
- chronic fatigue
- cognitive decline
- coma
- chronic insomnia
- ADD, ADHD
- anxiety
- depression
- dissociative disorders
- epilepsy
- fibromyalgia
- Headache/migraine
- learning disabilities
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
The ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) neurofeedback principle
- Attention deficit and poor behavioral control (as in ADHD) are associated with distinctive alterations in EEG frequency rhythms that emerge over specific topographic regions of the brain. (These abnormal patterns may be identified by a QEEG ‘brain map’)
- EEG feedback training directed at normalizing these rhythms may yield sustaining clinical benefits
What is a QEEG?
- 19 sensors placed around the head.
- Scalp contact with electrode gel.
- Sensors picks up EEG signals of brain’s electrical activity
- Relative electrical activity measured at each point used to generate a report.
- Hair is parted out of the way to place sensors with gel on the scalp. Electrical brain wave signals are transmitted to the computer where the data is recorded and processed.
What do QEEG brain maps do?
- Takes the signals from the brain and reports the data ‘graphically’
- Compares client’s EEG data to a data-base of normal ‘healthy’ brains.
- Brainwave patterns that differ from significantly the norm may help explain some clinical symptoms.
What is a Continuous Performance Test?
- Identifies inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
- Helps improve diagnostic accuracy of ADHD
- Accurately assesses treatment and medication effects.
- Test-retest reliability and stability
Prescribing principles for neurofeedback
- QEEG Brain map used to inform Neurofeedback therapy
- Only treat brain map findings that correlate to target symptoms.
- Clients normally notice some improvement within 15 sessions.
- 25-35 neurotherapy sessions typically required to reach goals
What is a typical neurofeedback visit?
- Sessions last about 1 hour, including progress notes and set-up, and training.
- Most ADHD clients notice improvement within 10-15 sessions.
- Average treatment series is about 30-40 sessions… until symptoms stabilize.
What are the neurofeedback training goals?
- EEG training involves specific computer programs to reward or inhibit tiny electrical activities in the brain.
- We use the QEEG Brain Map to guide the EEG neurofeedback training strategy … designed to normalize the abnormal brainwave pattern.
What does a brain map show?
- Identifies specific frequencies of brainwave (i.e., theta) and how they differ from the data base of ‘normal/healthy’ brains.
- Quantifies the level of deviation from normal.
- Tells exactly where in the brain the abnormal pattern exists.
- Gives the doctor more information to help explain the symptoms.
- Helps to guide and inform the appropriate treatment plan, including neurofeedback
Is lead toxic to the brain?
- Lead can damage a child's central nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive system and, at higher levels, can cause coma, convulsions, and death.
- Even low levels of lead are harmful and are associated with decreased intelligence, impaired neurobehavioral development, decreased stature and growth, and impaired hearing acuity
- Neurobehavioral deficits resembling attention deficit disorder have also been found in lead-exposed children.
- Blood lead concentrations of 20-25 µg/100 ml can cause irreversible CNS damage in children
Additional Information
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