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Neurotherapy
 Neurotherapy also known as “Electroencephalic (EEG) Biofeedback or Neurofeedback” is similar to other biofeedback modalities. Neurofeedback training can help modulate levels of arousal in the brain. Helping the brain achieve balance (not too over- aroused or too under-aroused) can in turn help with a range of disorders like ADD, anxiety, depression.
Neurotherapy is a learning strategy based on the operant conditioning model which allows a person to change their brainwave patterns. Like the discussion on Clinical Biofeedback, by feeding back brain wave signals to a person, she can then learn to change them.
What conditions is Neurofeedback used for?
Neurofeedback is used for many conditions in which there is a neurological component. These conditions include ADD/ADHD, autism, aspergers, depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep disorders and chronic pain. The training can also be helpful for conditions such as enuresis, encopresis, seizure disorder and traumatic brain injury.
How is the Neurofeedback training done?
 The initial session is typically two hours. We spend the first half obtaining clinical information including health and family history and description of symptoms. With children, we of course make adjustments and are flexible as we know that the length of time might be challenging for them. During the second hour, we collect baseline EEG readings at different sites on the head or do a Quantitative EEG (Brain Map) Depending on the severity of the condition, we may recommend a full brain map (quantitative EEG) and can schedule that assessment at a separate time. Please refer to the subsection on Quantitative EEG. With the remaining time, the person is introduced to an EEG training session. For certain children who fall on the PDD spectrum, this may just mean showing them the electrodes and watching mom or dad get hooked up. Subsequent sessions are one hour and frequency can range from one to five times per week in more intensive cases. Neurofeedback training is a painless and non-invasive procedure. Sensors (electrodes) are placed on the ears and one or more sensors are placed on the scalp. The number and placement of the sensors is determined by the application and overall goal of the training. Brainwaves are monitored via an amplifier and a computer based instrument which process the signals and provides the feedback. This information is “fed back” to the person both visually and/or through auditory sounds. Changes in the brainwave signals in the specified direction are rewarded both in visual and/or auditory form. Examples of feedback in visual and auditory form might be seeing a “pacman” eating his way through a maze and hearing a beep tone for each point scored in the game. Gradually the brain responds to the cues that it is being “fed back” and a learning of new brainwave patterns occurs. It is important to note that this is a non-invasive process in that the neurofeedback equipment only collects data for training.
Neurofeedback training “protocols” are tailored based on the clinical information as well as EEG data obtained during the initial evaluation.
Why does Neurofeedback work?
As you may already know, the brain is incredibly adaptable and capable of learning at any age. By giving the brain cues about what to change, it can learn to improve its own performance. There are certain brainwave patterns or “signatures” associated with dysfunctions or symptoms. For example, persons with Attention Deficit Disorder may exhibit a greater amount of slow wave activity (theta, delta and possibly alpha) and exhibit minimal amount of faster wave activity (beta). In this example, the goal of training would be to decrease the amplitude of slow wave activity while increasing the amplitude of faster brain wave activity. The goal of training is to learn flexibility in attention. Another goal of training is to learn flexibility of our emotional states by acquiring the ability to shift from one state to another.
How long does the Neurofeedback typically take?
Number of sessions can vary depending on the severity of the dysfunction. For most conditions, initial progress can be observed between 10 and 20 sessions. After learning begins to occur, the frequency of sessions can be reduced. Total amount of sessions usually range between 30–60. Children and adults on the severe end of the autistic spectrum usually need additional sessions and often require maintenance sessions.
Is Neurofeedback covered by Insurance?
The answer to this question varies from insurance to insurance. Our experience has been that insurance companies will not cover Neurofeedback.
About Quantitative EEG (Brain Map)
Quantitative EEG (QEEG), also called “Brain Mapping,” is an extension of the visual EEG interpretation. Brain Maps augment our understanding of brain function through identifying the location in which brain waves are dysregulated (dysfunctional).
There are four electrical impulses made by our brain, Delta, Theta, Alpha and Beta, that are called “Frequency Bands”. Frequency bands will be active or inactive, based on your state of mind or your working to complete a given task. Using a QEEG is essential to tailor a therapy approach specific to the patient. The QEEG data is used by our team of clinicians, a Neurologist, and an Electroencephalographer to assess where dysregulation is present in the brain. We are then able to compare your symptoms to the findings in the reports, allowing us to treat you instead of just your symptoms.
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