Neurofeedback - Effective Treatment Without Drugs
Since the 1930’s, it has been known that the brain’s electrical activity can be measured and quantified by an electroencephalograph (EEG). Using EEG equipment, neurotherapy enables patients to observe their brainwaves on a computer screen, providing continuous feedback on how their brain is functioning in the moment.
Neurofeedback equipment is connected to the patient with sensors called electrodes. Safe and painless, the sensors are attached to the scalp and ears with a sticky paste that helps conduct electricity. The brain’s electricity is transmitted through the sensors to an amplifier, which translates the signal into a computer image.
By using biofeedback to become aware of how their brain works, patients can learn to change and control their brainwave patterns and improve their brain function. This decreases their symptoms and improves their overall well being. When the desired brain state is produced, a positive effect is generated on the computer screen in the form of mind-conditioning games, such as racing cars or making fish jump. This form of operant conditioning is similar to teaching a dog to sit by offering treats or using praise to teach a child good manners.
Neurotherapy has been shown, through research and clinical experience, to successfully treat patients with psycho neurological disorders such as:
| – ADD/ADHD – Alcoholism – Anxiety – Asperger’s Syndrome Post – Autism – Brain injury – Chronic fatigue – Chronic pain – Cognitive deficits associated with aging |
– Depression – Drug abuse – Epilepsy – Fibromyalgia – Head injury- Learning disabilities – Memory problems – Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder – Traumatic stress – Sleep disorders – Stroke |
If side effects occur, they are usually rare (3-5% of cases), mild, and transient, such as a slight headache or drowsiness that disappears after a good night’s sleep. The treatment can produce permanent improvements without the need for long-term medication management.