Neurofeedback
I have had twenty years experience in western medicine working in clinical laboratories. I have extensively monitored the body’s chemistries and hemodynamics. Although, currently, my primary focus is on acupuncture and Oriental medicine, I retain a knowledge and interest in western medical procedures, especially those that may be of value in the treatment of neurological disorders such as stroke and traumatic brain injury. This population tends to receive little benefit from standard western medical procedures after the initial hospitalization and short period of rehabilitation. These individuals often feel helpless and frustrated by the lack of possible treatment options presented to them.
Although neurofeedback is not a form of Oriental medicine, I have incorporated it in my clinic to further assist individuals with neurological problems. Neurofeedback is valuable in the treatment of many other conditions, and works well with acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Neurofeedback trains and exercises the brain using unique programs designed as computer games. During the training, three or more electrodes are pasted to certain areas on the surface of the individual’s scalp using a conducting gel.
The electrodes are painless and there is no current or transmission into the head. Different locations on the head are used, corresponding to the areas of the brain where training is needed. The electrodes are connected to a computer, which displays the person’s brainwaves as an electroencephalogram (EEG) on the operator’s computer monitor. A powerful amplifier magnifies the brain’s signals so that they can be visible as the EEG.
The brain is composed of billions of neurons, which discharge electricity when stimulated by sensory input. These electrical patterns make up the brainwaves. Many disorders are due to changes in the frequency and timing of the brainwaves. When under intense long-term stress or traumatic experience, a person’s brainwaves are altered.
The neurofeedback practitioner is able to set audio and visual rewards for selected brainwave frequencies as you play the games to retrain the brain to return to a more balanced, relaxed state. The areas trained as well as the brain wave frequencies rewarded vary with each individual and condition. The computer games do not use the hands to manipulate objects. Objects on the screen are moved by brainwaves which are produced by your own brain. When your brain stays focused at the set frequency patterns, it is rewarded. An object will move faster with brighter colors and pleasant music. When focus is lost, the object will move slower and the music decreases in volume. The brain makes appropriate corrections immediately. With complete loss of concentration, the monitor screen may become blank. By challenging the brain, neurofeedback is able to train a brain to function more efficiently. Eventually, the brain learns to function more regularly at the desirable frequency until it becomes a natural part of the daily routine. Once the brain’s normal frequency patterns have been restored, the neurofeedback training is no longer necessary.
Neurofeedback is used for a variety of conditions to maintain better brain function. It has been used extensively to benefit children with such conditions as ADD, ADHD and other problems with focus and attention, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, Tourette’s, autism, bedwetting, and nightmares. In adults, neurofeedback may alleviate symptoms such as PMS, migraines, cluster headaches, asthma, anxiety, depression (even for long term medication non-responsive depression, neurofeedback typically responds), mood regulation, insomnia-frequent waking, OCD, panic attacks, anger-rage, restless leg syndrome, bruxism (grinding and clenching teeth), chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, aging dementia. This special brain training has been used to reduce symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and other neurological conditions. It has been reported that improvement with TBI often occurs many years after the injury, since the neuroplasticity still exists. Emotional and behavioral improvements can be significant for this group. Neurofeedback has recently become a valuable treatment option for the significant number of service members returning from duty and experiencing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Neurofeedback has also become popular among peak performers, who wish to improve their performance in sports, music, and business. They are able to function at a more optimal brain frequency. Neurofeedback may be used by the aging adult who desires to maintain good brain function. And, best of all, changes from neurofeedback tend to be permanent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I notice a change right away?
While some individuals notice a reduction in symptoms or a sense of relaxation right away, usually several sessions are required. Most patients notice some change in the first 3-5 sessions. 10-15% of individuals may not notice any effect until after 10 or 20 sessions. Less than 5% don’t respond to treatment. You may notice that you feel less tense, more focused, and that you are sleeping better. You may also notice that you don’t get annoyed or irritable as easily. There may be a reduction in pain. After the first neurofeedback session, the good feelings may last a few hours. With more sessions the feelings may last a day or two, and then, a few days. Eventually, changes typically become permanent. (The positive effects of neurofeedback can be altered by stress, an accident, chemicals or alcohol. Usually just a few sessions are needed to return to optimal brain functioning.)
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions will depend on the individual and the duration and complexity of the condition. Often 20-40 sessions are recommended for the brain to get accustomed to working at the rewarded frequency. Some conditions or individuals may require more training sessions. Sessions are usually once or twice weekly at first, and then may be extended as the condition improves. Think of neurofeedback like physical conditioning at a gym - it may take a considerable amount of time to train your body. With each week of training you improve your functioning and fitness. After awhile you find what used to be exerting is now easy. It takes time and patience to achieve both good physical and mental condition.
Will I feel anything during a session?
Once the electrodes are pasted on the head, you will not feel anything. As the reward frequency is adjusted on the computer, you may feel an increase or decrease in sleepiness or body tension.
What if I am taking medications?
As the brain adjusts and learns to regulate itself, less medication may be needed. After successful neurofeedback training, it is important to reevaluate your condition with your physician to determine your need for medication.
Are there any side effects from neurofeedback?
Occasionally, some individuals may have a slight headache or feel a little “spacey”. Other reactions may include a little more anxiety during the session, more sleeplessness in the first few nights, or a little more irritability. These effects are short term and usually occur during the first few sessions as the brain adjusts to the newly set frequencies. However, most people find neurofeedback to be relaxing and look forward to their sessions.
Can I control my brainwaves?
If controlling your brain waves seems impossible, stop reading now and think of an elephant. This is how you control your brain activity, and this happens thousands of times everyday. Brain waves reflect what you are doing or thinking each second. The waves in your brain create your everyday life.
Neurofeedback assists the brain in recognizing normal rhythmatic patterns by producing audio and visual reinforcement when they occur. The brain makes the appropriate corrections immediately. Once the brain’s normal rhythmatic patterns have been restored, the neurofeedback training is no longer necessary.
Brainwaves occur at various frequencies, some are fast and some are quite slow. The classic names of these EEG bands are delta, theta, alpha, and beta.
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If we are exceptionally anxious and tense, an excess of high frequency beta brainwaves are present. When a disproportionate amount of low frequency brainwaves are present, it becomes difficult to control attention, behavior, and emotions. These people generally have problems with concentration, memory, controlling impulses and moods.