Treatment Program
Neurofeedback
used to treat mTBI/Concussion, Anxiety, ADHD, Sleep Disorder, Mood Disorders, Headaches, Concentration Problems
Neurofeedback starts with a brain analysis, similar to an EEG, called a QEEG brain map.
This brain map allows our doctors to objective see if you have any abnormal brain activity and where that abnormal activity is. Based on these objective results and your symptoms, our doctors personalize a neurofeedback treatment specific to your needs.
What is biofeedback and is it different from neurofeedback?
What do picking up a cup, walking downstairs, or hitting a tennis ball have in common? They are all voluntary actions. You are in control of these actions and are aware that they are happening. However, there are other bodily functions that we are unaware of and therefore not under our voluntary control. These functions include blood pressure, skin temperature, and heart rate, among others.
Biofeedback is a technique designed to help you gain more control of these systems. With the use of modern technology, we can now be aware of these systems, and use our own mind to control them. Biofeedback has been cited to help migraines, chronic pain, high blood pressure, Raynaud’s syndrome, TMJ and many other conditions.
Neurofeedback is biofeedback for brainwaves.
What are brainwaves?
Our brains are constructed by trillions of connections facilitated by electrical and chemical messengers. Information is taken in by our peripheral nervous system and processed by our central nervous system; including our spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum and cerebral cortex.
This information is then used to appropriately respond to our environment. The health of our brain can be impacted by the quality and quantity of connections, the amount and type of chemical messengers and the quality and timing of electrical impulses.
Our neurons communicate through electrical impulses. When great numbers of neurons fire together they create a brain wave which can be recorded on EEG. The summation of the neuronal firing creates an electrical recording and the oscillation of these signals creates a specific wave pattern. These wave patterns can be categorized into certain bandwidths. These bandwidths correspond to different states of arousal such as sleep, alert, anxiety, etc.
THROUGH EEG READINGS AND BRAIN MAPPING WE ARE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHICH BANDWIDTHS ARE MORE DOMINANT AND IN WHAT LOCATIONS.
THE
Program Details
What is Neurofeedback?
The neurofeedback process begins by obtaining a QEEG (quantitative electroencephalography) brain map.
01. MEASURE
Using sensors on the scalp, we can measure and record the electrical impulses happening in your brain. The computer software then takes this information, compares it to normative data, and produces a brain map. This map tells us which areas are firing appropriately and which are not.
02. TRAIN
We can use this data to begin training. We use standard conditioning techniques to “guide” the brain activity to where we want it. Training is a passive experience.
THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE:
As the patient, your job is to relax and pay attention to whatever media is playing (a movie, music, video game, etc). As this media is playing your brainwaves are being recorded and compared to the norms. When your brainwaves are within the desired settings the media will continue to play nice and clear. When they aren’t the media will dim, become softer, or slow down. The brain wants to watch the movie or hear the music.
Over time your brain learns that when it’s in the correct brain wave pattern the media will play; it will get its reward.
This process becomes more efficient with each session until the brainwaves are restored to their proper firing patterns.
03. STRENGTHEN
Neurofeedback takes time. These firing patterns have usually been there for a long time. Just as a new skill takes practice to learn, the brain needs practice to change.
Patients usually notice some changes after 15 sessions but continue with more sessions to strengthen the results.
Who Is Neurofeedback For?
Neurofeedback can help with:
mTBI/Concussion
Anxiety
ADHD
Sleep Disorders
Mood Disorders
Headaches
Concentration Problems
Find out if The Neurologic Wellness Institute is perfect for you.
