Neurofeedback therapy, also known as EEG Biofeedback or Brain Training, is a non-invasive therapy where you learn how to regulate your brainwaves.
Treatment is as simple as watching a video or listening to music. However, you do it with sensors attached to your scalp monitoring your brainwave activity. When the desired brainwaves are present, you are ‘rewarded’ by a brighter picture or clearer sound. When they are not, quality deteriorates. This encourages your brain to function in a different, healthier way.
Over multiple sessions, the brain’s neuroplasticity helps it adapt so that it functions more normally even without ongoing treatment.
Neurofeedback is non-invasive and not painful. It has long-lasting positive impact and minimal side-effects.
ADHD
In 2012, the American Academy of Paediatrics reviewed the evidence for treating ADHD via neurofeedback and rated it at Level 1. This is the highest level in the scale, the same level as conventional ADHD medications.
Autism Spectrum Disorders
In 2009, Coben reviewed existing material relating to neurofeedback and autism. He found a 42% reduction in overall autistic symptoms, including a 55% decrease in social interaction deficits.
Anxiety/Depression
Evidence from many studies shows that neurofeedback is a viable treatment for anxiety, depression, and associated symptoms such as poor sleep, difficulty with attention, and brain fog.
Brain Injury
Brain injury, including concussion caused by car accidents, falls or collisions on the sports field, can cause brain fog, poor sleep, difficult concentrating, pain and mood swings. A 2002 study by Walker, Norman and Weber showed 88% of patients experienced improvement with neurofeedback therapy.
PTSD/Trauma
Studies have shown that neurofeedback can help with symptoms of PTSD and can change brain function on imaging or fMRI. The improvement with neurofeedback in many studies has been greater than any medication used for PTSD.
Insomnia
Research on neurofeedback for insomnia has consistently demonstrated robust improvement in sleep without side effects.
Migraine
Neurofeedback is very effective in reducing both frequency and intensity of migraines. In a 2010 study by Stokes, 62% of participants with severe treatment refractory migraine experienced major or total improvement in their migraines. We have had many clients who have successfully stopped botox injections after a course of neurofeedback.
Peak Performance
Neurofeedback has been used by many successful elite sportspeople, musicians, artists and executives to enhance performance and creativity by being in a state of flow. Neurofeedback can help with better stress management, heightened focus, faster reaction times, and more.
Neurofeedback therapy begins with a QEEG assessment which provides data to plan your treatment. This is followed by multiple neurofeedback sessions to retrain your brain.
QEEG assessment
Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) assessment is required before starting any neurofeedback treatment. Your trained practitioner will analyse the results of your QEEG, identify areas of unusual brainwave activity, and develop a personalised treatment plan for you. The plan targets specific areas of the brain and specific brain wave frequencies.
Neurofeedback training sessions
Sensors on your scalp are connected to a computer which plays sound and video while it monitors your brainwaves. The computer adjusts the sound and video according to your brainwaves, using improved quality to reward you and encourage the desired brainwave profile.
Over this time, the brain changes itself through neuroplasticity to function more effectively. Like learning to walk or to ride a bicycle, the new behaviour becomes instinctive. Positive effects last long beyond the time of treatment.
Neurofeedback is non-invasive, so side effects are minimal.
The most common issue is tiredness or headache after sessions, because the brain has been working in a way it is not used to.
If you do experience any side effects, discuss them with your practitioner, who may adjust the length of sessions or the intensity of feedback. He or she may also suggest supplements to support and nourish your brain while it is training itself.
We are now offering remote neurofeedback packages, where you can train your brain from the comfort of your home! This is ideal for busy professionals or students with conditions like ADHD, anxiety and insomnia, who might find it difficult to come into office for sessions. If you have a major mental illness, in-office neurofeedback would be more suitable. Find out more about remote neurofeedback therapy here.
Related Article: What is Neurofeedback: An Update, by D. Corydon Hammond
