Neurofeedback Summary Sheet

Neurofeedback is a method of training and regulating brain waves to alter the structure and function of the brain.

What conditions can be helped with Neurofeedback Therapy?

Research supports the use of neurofeedback to reduce symptoms of ADHD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and many other conditions. Neurofeedback is a training process and is most effective when combined with a multimodal treatment approach. These modalities may include nutritional recommendations, home exercises, and/or outside referrals to medical doctors or behavior health specialists.

What is the goal of Neurofeedback Therapy?

The goal of Neurofeedback Therapy is to normalize irregular brain wave patterns, making it more efficient when processing information and controlling the function of the body.

How is Neurofeedback performed?

Neurofeedback training is a painless, non-invasive procedure. Two sensors (small gold-plated electrodes) are placed on the scalp, and one on each earlobe. Brain waves are measured on a computer screen while a movie is played. Light and sound stimulations are performed while the sensors measure the brainwave activity. When the brainwaves are out of healthy rhythm, the movie pauses or fades. When the brainwaves normalize and regulate, the movie continues to play. This method of learning is called operant conditioning and trains the brain by rewarding appropriate brain activity.

How are the treatment protocols chosen?

Different treatment protocols exist for different conditions and consist of selecting appropriate brainwave frequency, amplitude, synchrony, coherence, direction, and location. QEEG (sometimes called “brain mapping”) can significantly increase the accuracy of treatment by pinpointing the exact location of abnormal or dysregulated brainwave activity.

How is the success of the treatment measured?

We use various outcome assessment questionnaires to quantify Pain and Disability, Brain Function, and Symptom Intensity and Frequency. These are administered periodically and help us quantify the severity of patient’s presenting symptoms and/or the effect those symptoms have on a patient’s daily life. In addition, we compare pre and post-treatment QEEG (brain maps) to evaluate treatment effectiveness. This also provides a blueprint for protocol selection.

How many sessions does it take to see a benefit?

Neurofeedback training is a learning process, therefore results are seen gradually over time. For most conditions, initial progress can be seen within about ten sessions. Most patients meet their treatment goals in 20-40 sessions, depending on the severity of their condition.

How long do the results last?

Numerous studies have demonstrated that this learning is durable and reliable years after the treatment. Dysregulation of the brain may reoccur with severe physical or emotional stress, such as new head injury, or a loss of loved one. Several sessions of neurofeedback can be performed to help the brain regulate and recover from these traumatic events. Want to know more?  Visit Dr. Smith’s website here. Visit our Resources and Alternative Healing pages for more great information.