What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is direct training of brain function (brain exercise), by which the brain learns to function more efficiently. We observe the brain in action from moment to moment by monitoring your brain waves. We show that information back to the person and we help you change it by rewarding shifts toward a more appropriate and stable brain state. This is a gradual learning process by which you can learn to change your brain waves and get better control over your brain states. It applies to any aspect of brain function that we can measure. Neurofeedback is also called EEG Biofeedback, because it is based on electrical brain activity, the electroencephalogram, or EEG. Neurofeedback is training in self-regulation, which is a necessary part of good brain function, allowing the system (the central nervous system) to function better.
What is Neurofeedback used for?
Neurofeedback addresses problems of brain disregulation. It can improve mental performance, emotional control, and physical stability. It targets bioelectrical functioning of the brain, which is actually a more important issue than the “chemical imbalance” often talked about. It targets numerous problems including anxiety, depression, attention deficits, behavior disorders, various sleep disorders, headaches and migraines, PMS and emotional disturbances. It is also useful for organic brain conditions such as seizures, the autism spectrum, and cerebral palsy.
How is Neurofeedback done?
Electrodes (sensors) are applied to the scalp with EEG paste to listen in on brainwave activity. The signal is processed by a computer, and it extracts information about certain key brainwave frequencies. It is painless and doesn’t involve the application of any voltage or current to the brain, so it is entirely non-invasive. We show the ebb and flow of this activity back to the person, who attempts to change the activity level. Some frequencies we wish to promote, while others we wish to diminish. We present this information to the person in the form of a video game. The person is effectively playing the video game with his or her brain. Eventually the brainwave activity is "shaped" toward more desirable, more regulated performance. The frequencies we target, and the specific locations on the scalp where we listen in on the brain, are specific to the conditions we are trying to address, and specific to the individual.
Who provides Neurofeedback & where can I find a provider?
Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback) is typically provided by mental health professionals such as psychologists, family therapists, and counselors. These professions usually work with clients one-on-one. The training may also be provided by nurses, clinical social workers, rehabilitation specialists, and educators. MDs also provide the service, but psychiatrists will usually have the service provided by a trained staff person.
The EEG Directory is a great place to find a provider. You may search by Zip code to locate a provider in your local area.
How is Neurofeedback used to train an individuals unique brain?
Over the years, certain Neurofeedback (EEG Biofeedback) training protocols have been developed that are helpful with certain classes of problems such as attention, anxiety and depression, seizures and migraines, as well as cognitive function. There are a number of assessment tools we use to help us decide which protocols to use. These are simple neurodiagnostic and neuropsychological tests.
Is Neurofeedback considered a cure for any condition?
In the case of organic brain disorders, it can only be a matter of getting the brain to function better rather than of curing the condition. When it comes to problems of disregulation, we would say that there is not a disease to be cured. Where disregulation is the problem, self-regulation may very well be the remedy.
What conditions is Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback successful in helping?
We are especially concerned with the more "intractable" brain-based problems of childhood whose needs are not currently being met.
This includes:
•Seizures and sub-clinical seizure activity
•Severely disruptive behavior disorders such as Conduct Disorder and Bipolar Disorder.
•Autistic spectrum and pervasive developmental delay.
•Cerebral palsy
•Acquired brain injury
•Birth trauma
Many children have sleep problems that can be helped:
•Bed wetting
•Sleep walking, sleep talking
•Teeth grinding
•Nightmares
•Night terrors
It can also be helpful with many of the problems of adolescence:
•Drug abuse
•Suicidal behavior
•Anxiety and depression
We can also help to maintain good brain function as people get older. The good news is that almost any brain, regardless of its level of function, can be trained to function better.
Do the effects of Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback training really last?
If the problem being addressed is one of brain disregulation, then the answer is yes, and that covers a lot of ground. Neurofeedback involves learning by the brain and if that brings order out of disorder, the brain will continue to use its new capabilities, and thus reinforce them.
Matters are different when we are dealing with degenerative conditions like Parkinson's or the dementias, or when we are working against continuing insults to the system, as may be the case in the autism spectrum. In such cases the training needs to be continued at some level over time. Allergic susceptibilities and food intolerances make it more difficult to hold the gains. Poor digestive function will pose a problem, as does poor nutrition. A child living in a toxic environment (in either the physical or the psychological sense) will have more difficulty retaining good function.
What is the success rate of Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback?
Through our twenty years of experience with Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback, we have reached the point of having very high expectations for success in training. When such success is not forthcoming, or if the gains cannot hold, then there is usually a reason for that which needs to be pursued. In the normal course of events, Neurofeedback ought to work with everybody. That is to say, nearly everyone should make gains that they themselves would judge to be worthwhile. Our brains are made for learning and skill-acquisition. On the other hand, we are working with many families whose expectations have been lowered by their past experience, and they need to see progress before they will share our optimism.
It turns out that among the vast majority of clients (95% in one clinician's experience), the actual outcome exceeds prior expectations. Against such low expectations, the changes that can be produced with Neurofeedback may even appear miraculous. One EEG Biofeedback office has a sign on its front desk: "We expect miracles. If none occur, something has gone wrong." What appears miraculous in all of this is really nothing more than the incredible capacity of our brains to recover function when given a chance.
What happens if Neurofeedback clients are taking medications?
With successful Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback training, the medications targeting brain function may very well no longer be needed, or they may be needed at lower dosages, as the brain takes over more of the role of regulating itself. This decrease in medications is particularly striking when the medications play a supportive role in any event, as is often the case for the more severe disorders that we are targeting with our work. It is important for clients to communicate with their prescribing physician regarding Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback and medications.
Is Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback a reimbursable treatment under my insurance?
There is an insurance code for biofeedback, under which Neurofeedback is covered. And there are codes for combining psychotherapy with biofeedback/neurofeedback. However, coverage for chronic mental health concerns is rarely adequate in the United States, so parents may have to advocate strongly with their insurance company for reimbursement. This, more than anything else, makes it necessary for theBrian Othmer Foundation to exist.
Is home-training a possibility with Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback?
Many of the conditions we address with Neurofeedback involve long-term training, as the brain's capacity to function is gradually enhanced. For some children, Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback may remain a useful challenge over their life span. To make this economically viable, remote training is an available option for parents. Remote training refers to home training under the (remote) supervision of a clinician. After parents have had their child trained with a clinician for at least twenty sessions, they may transition to remote training and continue on that basis, consulting with the clinician regularly to monitor progress and determine changes in protocol. Then training can be done frequently and consistently, on an affordable basis.
If Neurofeedback can do so much, why haven’t I heard about it before?
Neurofeedback is not yet taught in most medical schools or psychology graduate programs. Many professionals are therefore unaware of the power of this technique. One of our goals at the EEG Institute is to fill that gap by providing professionals with information and education in Neurofeedback.
I want to know more. Where can I find more information about Neurofeedback / EEG Biofeedback?
Organizations (Links)
Further Reading
Robbins, Jim, A Symphony in the Brain: The Evolution of the New Brain Wave Feedback