What Is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback that uses electroencephalography (EEG) to provide a signal that a person can use to receive feedback about brain activity. The EEG signal is fed into computer software first, then the feedback, usually a movie or music, is returned to the person being trained. This feedback loop can produce changes in brainwave activity. The process used to adjust brainwave activity is known as operant conditioning, a method where rewards for positive behavior increase learning capabilities.
The concept is fairly simple. The computer monitors your brainwaves while you watch a movie or listen to music. When deviations from normal brainwave activity occur, the computer triggers an audio or visual cue that alerts the patient that they are outside normal ranges. The brain receives these cues, which subconsciously adjusts itself back to a normal pattern to make the cue stop. With enough repetition of this process, the brain eventually learns to stay in the normal ranges on its own without the computer. With the brain functioning normally on its own, symptoms of irregular brain activity will decline.
It has been well documented that people who suffer neurological problems have abnormal brain waves in certain areas of the brain. For instance, case studies using QEEG “brain maps” have shown that people with Attention-Deficit-Disorder (ADD) have elevated delta brainwaves. In contrast, those who suffer from depression have elevated alpha brainwaves. Those with anxiety will have elevated Beta brainwaves, while those suffering from memory loss usually have decreased theta brainwaves.
Training the brain using neurofeedback can change these brainwaves over time, adjusting them to normal, healthy ranges. It can improve alertness, attention, emotional regulation, behavior, cognitive function, and mental flexibility. When the brain moves back into normal ranges, users will often see a reduction in symptoms.
The best part of neurofeedback is that results are often permanent, allowing a person to reduce or even eliminate medications altogether. Where medications only manage the symptoms and are only very broad-based in their effect, the goal of neurofeedback is to address the underlying cause and restore normal brainwave functions.
Why Choose Neurofeedback? –> A New Approach
For over 40 years, the accepted treatment for neurological symptoms has been the use of medications. However, the disadvantages to medicating the brain are becoming more widely known. Side effects are common, and stopping the medication often results in a return of the symptoms. Patients are becoming increasingly frustrated with high-cost medications that do not offer a long-term resolution of their symptoms.
There are other ways to change the brain that are non-invasive and more natural. It’s no secret that the food you eat and exercise is all critical to brain function. But this is often not enough to alleviate more serious conditions.
Neurofeedback has emerged as a non-surgical, non-invasive option to medication. Continuing research is showing that neurofeedback is yielding positive results for many people with debilitating neurological symptoms. Neurofeedback is incredibly powerful when done right with a licensed practitioner. There are many case studies of people who have changed their lives for the better using this new technology. Research has shown people of all ages see a dramatic improvement in ADHD, anger, mood problems, anxiety, depression, migraines, seizures, and more. Results like these have become too common to ignore.
Neurofeedback is not an instant process. It takes time for the brain to change and learn. Often many sessions are needed to see any results. But often, once clients are functioning better and have fewer symptoms, they can reduce their reliance on medication.
Neurofeedback has been proven to change the brain – to change timing in the brain. It’s published in scientific literature. It’s used by thousands of licensed health professionals around the world. It could be the most important new tool available for mental and neurological health.
How Does Neurofeedback Work?
Neurofeedback utilizes a non-invasive technique for monitoring brain activity. Small sensors are attached to specific areas of the head using paste. Our Neurointegration software records the brain waves and displays the data in real-time. During this time, the patient is watching a movie or listening to music. The software compares the incoming brainwaves to that of an optimal brainwave in the target range. If the brainwaves deviate from normal ranges, it triggers the audio or video to fade. The brain automatically detects this and refocuses itself back into the proper range. Training sessions usually last 30 minutes, and this process is repeated hundreds of times per session.
The Brain Is A Learning Machine
Through operant conditioning, the brain is rewarded when the audio or video returns to normal. Eventually, the brain learns to stay in the healthy ranges without the reward stimulus and can sustain normal activity independent of the computer. This is achieved by reconnecting functional pathways in the brain.
Neurofeedback does not target any particular disorder. Its purpose is to change timing and activation patterns in the brain. This improves brain regulation, which can impact a variety of symptoms. Different symptoms will require triggering different areas of the brain. The software is designed to target specific areas of the brain according to a patient’s symptoms.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
There is no magic number. Just as every person is unique, the number of sessions will vary according to each person. Noticeable results typically occur between the first and tenth sessions. In general, 20 – 40 sessions are needed for the results to become permanent. Symptoms in some patients will resolve in a shorter time. Some require more training, some less. The goal is to complete enough sessions to ensure consistent and lasting benefits. A brain map can be generated at any time between sessions so that you can visually see the progress your brain is making.
Ready To Help!
At Schneider Chiropractic, we look forward to providing our community the highest quality of healthcare with cutting-edge technology. With neurofeedback technology, our team led by Dr. Dan Schneider has helped many of our patients who suffer from neurological and nervous system conditions such as ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, and so much more!
So if you or a loved one are suffering and would like to get back the quality of life you enjoy, call today and schedule that first meaningful consultation.