Neurofeedback FAQ’s

What is neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is essentially exercise for the brain. Neurofeedback allows a patient to train his/her brainwaves in order to strengthen healthy patterns. Feedback comes in the form of sounds and images from a computer screen. Our brains learn to recognize these signals as rewards and repeat what is being rewarded—the emergence of healthier brainwave patterns. Since brainwaves influence behavior, sensation, and emotion, neurofeedback helps to reduce stress, improve concentration, and strengthen performance. Click HERE to learn more about neurofeedback.

Is neurofeedback supported by research?

Yes! There are hundreds of peer-reviewed studies and journal articles that support the benefits of neurofeedback to treat a wide range of brain disorders and improve cognitive functions. You can easily read many of these articles by searching Neurofeedback in Google Scholar.

Do I have to stop taking my medication when I am doing neurofeedback?

No. However, it may be possible to reduce a medication dose or eliminate taking a medication altogether after an initial period of neurofeedback and consultation with the prescribing doctor.

What happens in a neurofeedback session?

Neurofeedback sessions involve relaxing for 30 minutes while you watch a movie, show, or listen to music of your choice. Small sensors will monitor your brainwaves during the session. When irregular patterns are detected, a response is triggered by the software that dims/fades the video or music. Your brain senses the change and subconsciously modifies itself back into a normal pattern. With repetition of this process, eventually, your brain learns to stay within healthy ranges on its own without neurofeedback.

Why don’t more people know about neurofeedback?

Despite the clinical evidence of neurofeedback’s effectiveness, there are no major lobbying groups or organizations that fund advertising and marketing campaigns promoting neurofeedback (like many do for the pharmaceutical industry for example). The research is available and its use by individuals is increasing every year. Most of our patients are referred from their doctor for treatment.

Are there any negative effects from neurofeedback training?

Side-effects are rare. Clients may experience short lived negative effects after sessions, but these effects are usually gone the next day. For example, clients may have trouble sleeping, or they may feel mentally fatigued after a session. Usually we are able to alter the training so that negative effects do not occur.

How many sessions are needed?

The required frequency of neurofeedback sessions differs for each individual and vary based on the disorder that is being treated. Some people report positive changes after a few sessions, while others take longer. Once we have your personal brain map and the details about what you are experiencing, we compare your qEEG/brain map with our extensive normative database to see which specific areas of your brain need to be re-balanced. We use this data to craft a customized program and training session schedule designed specifically for you.

How long do sessions last?

The initial qEEG brain scan will take approximately 20-30 minutes. Sessions typically last about 30 minutes.

How does neurofeedback work?

Neurofeedback uses audio and visual cues to change timing and activation patterns in the brain. It does not target any condition, but instead slowly guides your brain back to normal ranges, reconnecting the neural pathways that have been disconnected. The result is an improvement in brain regulation, which in turn impacts a variety of symptoms. Click HERE to learn more about how neurofeedback works.

How effective is neurofeedback therapy?

Neurofeedback has been repeatedly shown in clinical studies to be as good and often better than traditional medical treatments for a wide-range of disorders. Click HERE to see specific success rates for disorders.

How much does neurofeedback therapy cost?

Please contact us for specific information about rates and therapy packages.

Is neurofeedback covered by insurance?

Most health insurers do not cover brain mapping and neurofeedback training as treatment for most brain-related conditions. MyBrainDR offers interest-free and low-cost payment options for those who need it. If you have an FSA or HSA, you may use that account to cover neurofeedback therapy and brain scans.