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What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback (also knowns as neurotherapy and EEG biofeedback) has been in use by medical professionals for over 40 years to treat a wide range of neurological disorders. Neurofeedback, meaning ‘brain’ and ‘input’, specifically monitors and measures brain wave activity to identify irregularities. Once identified, a signal designed to correct the irregularity is produced and the brain waves are guided back into a healthy pattern. With repetition of this process over time, the brain will learn to stay in healthy ranges without the aid of the computer.
The result is an improvement in brain regulation, which in turn can reduce or eliminate most neurological symptoms. Unlike many other treatments that address the symptoms of neurological disorders, neurofeedback therapy trains brainwaves to alter the structure and function of the brain. As such, many patients report permanent positive changes to their behavior months and years after ending the therapy.
Neurofeedback Success Rates
Clinical success rates for treating common neurological disorders and improving cognitive performance.
Why haven’t I heard of neurofeedback?
There is a wealth of research in support of neurofeedback therapy, including hundreds of published and peer-reviewed studies related to dozens of neurological disorders. Unfortunately, the benefits of neurofeedback remain largely unknown to the general public, and even to many medical professionals.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently elevated neurofeedback therapy to “Level 1-Best Support” as an intervention for attention-related problems.
Similarly, an important organization for publicizing biofeedback research, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, are on record stating that “There is a large body of scientific research documenting the effectiveness of neurofeedback for several areas of psychological or neurodevelopmental difficulty. These studies have been published in numerous scientific and professional journals in the US and abroad. Unfortunately, many healthcare professionals are not aware of the extent of the research support.”
Who can benefit from neurofeedback therapy?
While anybody with a brain can benefit from neurofeedback therapy, it has been used primarily for three reasons:
- To help people reduce the symptoms of ADHD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, depression, tinnitus, and many other neurological disorders.
- To improve the cognitive performance of any person who wants to optimize their brain. This can include students, athletes, musicians, business executives, and any person who is looking for an edge with regards to mental fitness and brain optimization.
- To treat sleep disorders and insomnia.
Brain Disorders
For patients with disorders related to irregular brainwave activity, neurofeedback provides a non-invasive and drug-free alternative to traditional approaches which often include long-term prescriptions and serious side-effects. As an additional benefit, since neurofeedback therapy changes the function of the brain (back towards a normal state), many patients experience long-term improvements.
Sleep Disorders
Finally, for patients who hope to improve their sleep, neurofeedback provides an effective treatment without the risks and side-effects that come with sleeping pills.
Peak Performance
For patients wanting to improve their cognitive performance for professional or personal reasons (i.e., unrelated to a neurological condition), neurofeedback offers an opportunity to optimize the brain without risk of side-effects or injury. The key to peak performance, no matter what the specific field, includes concentration, focus, and emotional control. When patients take advantage of neurofeedback therapy, they are being trained to utilize the full potential of their brains as they train for optimal performance.
The science behind neurofeedback treatment.
Neurofeedback targets the four primary brainwaves (Alpha, Beta, Delta, Theta). Each of these brainwaves is responsible for regulating the active and subconscious aspects of your body.
Delta Brainwaves
are associated with deep, dreamless sleep and regeneration. Delta brainwaves occur when you are asleep and are responsible for healing the body.
Theta Brainwaves
are associated with light sleep or extreme relaxation. When your subconscious takes over you start producing Theta brainwaves.
Alpha Brainwaves
occur when you are awake but relaxed and not processing much information. When you first get up and right before you fall asleep, you are generating Alpha waves, as well as when you close your eyes to rest.
Beta Brainwaves
are associated with the mental state most people are in during the day and most of their waking lives. When you are alert and focused, you are producing Beta brainwaves.
While each of these brainwaves is responsive for different body functions, they all are equally important to your health and well-being. Researchers have known for decades the correlation between irregular brain waves and common neurological conditions, and neurofeedback is the first field to directly target these irregular brain waves and restore them to normal ranges.
Parker M.
Former patient of MyBrainDr.com
“After 20 sessions of neurofeedback, my short term memory and focus have improved. I’m doing better in school and getting better grades”
