What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback is the direct training of brain function, through which the brain learns to function better and more efficiently. Self-regulation is the brain's core skill. During development, the brain learns self-regulation by way of feedback on its interaction with the world. We can now augment that process by allowing the brain to see itself in action from moment to moment through its own brainwave activity, the EEG. The brain effectively gets to watch its own dance of self-regulation in real time. This suffices to allow the brain to improve its self-regulatory competence. This is a gradual learning process. We refer to this kind of neurofeedback process as Endogenous Neuromodulation.
Most mental dysfunctions and disorders can be understood as disregulations, the failure of the brain to coordinate properly in the domain of timing and frequency ”its dynamics. (We use the term disregulation when we're just dealing with such dysfunctions. The medical term dysregulation is appropriate where underlying organic factors play a key role.) Most brain-based dysfunctions are accessible to us by way of our brain training strategy. The training particularizes in terms of sensor placement and specific training frequency, depending on the issues. Also, training self-regulation is a moving target. That is why a skilled clinician needs to be in charge of the process.
Brain disregulation is a problem for all of us at some level. We've all taken our knocks, from the birth process on, and in the course of life we come to accept our limitations. It can now be said that no one knows the inherent functional competence of their own brain unless it has had a chance to train self-regulation. Historically, this has consisted of the usual techniques that encompass meditation, mindfulness, physical fitness, martial arts, playing musical instruments, etc. The process can now be aided significantly by way of instrumental support that takes advantage of what we have learned about functional neuroanatomy (the connectome) and brain function in the bio-electrical domain (dynamic connectivity).
All sustained benefits derived from neurofeedback ultimately trace back to learning that has taken place in the brain. We are merely facilitating and potentiating the process. Our organization has played a lead role in the evolution of the clinical application of these methods over the course of the last 38 years. Nearly two million people have already benefited from our particular approach, at the hands of over 10,000 clinicians in over forty countries. The method is well established, and it is well represented in the scientific literature.
Is Neurofeedback a Cure?
Neurofeedback targets brain disregulation, to which the disease model generally does not apply. So, the word cure is not applicable. On the other hand, with respect to disregulation, full remediation is often a realistic possibility, as in ADHD, where normal function may be readily achieved, and in the case of migraines, where freedom from migraine is an achievable goal. Many other examples could be given.
Sometimes a disease process is involved, as in Parkinson Disease. Here patients may well not only make a substantial functional recovery in motor and other symptoms, but the deterioration of function may also be significantly delayed. The same is observed in the dementias. In addition to some initial functional recovery, there may be a favorable impingement on the progression of the disease process.
In the case of organic brain disorders such as seizure disorder or stroke, it can likewise only be a matter of getting the brain to function better rather than of curing the condition. Even if no more seizures are observed after the training, the seizure focus presumptively still exists and a vulnerability to seizure likely remains
What Conditions Can it Help?
At the top level, our neurofeedback helps with conditions that are of concern to nearly everyone: stress reactivity, quality of sleep, alertness, energy level, mood regulation, appetite regulation, attention, and cognitive function more generally. Our neurofeedback is training in optimum functioning. That is to say, the method is inherently function-focused rather than dysfunction-focused.
The neurofeedback is also expected to be helpful with the anxiety-depression spectrum, with attentional deficits and related behavioral issues in childhood and adolescence, with headaches and migraines, PMS and mood swings. These are of concern to substantial fractions of our population. These conditions are so commonplace that they are frequently regarded as a part of life that one simply has to accept. That is not the case. It is not natural to have recurring headaches, or attentional deficits, or PMS that interferes with your life. These conditions have specific causes, and they are largely remediable.
While we work with all age groups effectively, we are especially concerned with the more "intractable" brain-based problems of childhood for which there are few good alternatives. Children have their entire lives ahead of them, and parents typically put their children's needs ahead of their own. Many children have sleep problems that can be helped such as bed wetting, sleep walking, sleep talking, teeth grinding, nightmares, and night terrors. We can help with the disruptive behavior disorders such as oppositionality and conduct disorder, as well as pediatric bipolar disorder. We can also work with organic brain conditions such as the autistic spectrum and pervasive developmental delay. The list includes asthma, panic, substance dependency, glucose regulation in Type II diabetes, as well as medically uncontrolled seizure activity and Tourette Syndrome.
The training can be worthwhile with cerebral palsy, and it can be helpful with the severe eating disorders. Vision problems can often be helped, along with other learning disabilities. The training is indicated in cases of acquired brain injury, birth trauma, and it is the key to remediating developmental trauma.
We can also be helpful with many of the problems of adolescence, including drug abuse and suicidal behavior. We can also help to maintain good brain function as people get older. The good news is that almost any brain, regardless of its level of function, can be trained to function better.
Behavior - While medication and behavioral interventions can do a good job treating the symptoms of children with ADD or ADHD, neurofeedback retrains the brain to regain better control and focus. This method is about building up the person, focused on the qualities they possess.
Stress & Anxiety - Anxiety is a common response to stress, and sufferers often feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and fatigued. Neurofeedback can help guide your brain to change how it responds to stimuli that disturb our physical or mental equilibrium.
Peak Performance - Concentration, focus and emotional control are key to achieving optimal performance in all fields. Athletes and business executives are taking advantage of neurofeedback technologies to learn how to utilize the full potential of their minds to reach their peak
