What is EEG Neurofeedback?
EEG neurofeedback is a process that enables a person to alter their brainwave activity. The dysregulation in neuro-modulating systems may be able to account for most disorders, whether manifested physically or psychologically. EEG neurofeedback is the process of interacting with a device that monitors the feedback information about internal physiological activity. This scientific technique teaches the patient to develop conscious awareness of physiological activity being measured, and teaches the patient to control this physiological activity. In neurofeedback one learns to think for him or herself, giving the patient control over their feelings and behavior.
When and Where did Neurofeedback Begin?
(This is a very brief history and people interested in a more thorough history should visit the Society for Neuronal Regulation at their website or research medical and psychological journals)
In 1920, Hans Berger published the first EEG data and discovered "alpha" brainwave activity. In 1934, Fredrick Gibbs demonstrated abnormal EEG rhythms in epilepsy. In the 1960's, researchers developed an inhibition EEG devise and Quirk during this time worked with violent felons in prison with EEG training. Sterman, in 1969, trained the Sensory Motor Rhythm to treat seizures and he worked with NASA and UCLA. Elmer and Green worked with the Menninger Foundation using biofeedback training to treat migraine headaches and Reynaud's Disease. Peniston and Kulkosky conducted Neurofeedback as an effective way to treat addictions. Through extensive research, the use of neurofeedback has expanded to treat a number of other, often debilitating disorders. This is why people all over are using neurofeedback training to improve their daily functioning and find such relevance in neurofeedback to improve their lives. This fast growing movement has become a firmly established and active treatment for positive change.
Research Conducted
There is an extensive body of research about EEG-Neurofeedback. To access this research you can view medical and psychological journals, particularly "The Journal of Neurofeedback". You can also visit our website at www.sinhaclinic.com where there are summaries of articles posted on a variety of conditions.
Why choose Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback training has been shown to be successful in treating a number of conditions. Studies have shown that it is as effective if not more effective than medications to treat a number of conditions. Once change is consolidated it tends to be permanent. In the long-term it is cost effective and a healthy adjunct or alternative to long-term therapies or medications. EEG Neurofeedback improves learning ability, attention, mood, cognitive skills and behavior.
Who can Benefit from EEG-Neurofeedback?
EEG Neurofeedback is used with children and adults diagnosed with a variety of disorders, and is also used as a treatment for client's looking to improve their health and well-being.
EEG Neurofeedback is used in the treatment of:
| · ADD/ADHD | · Learning Disabilities |
| · Head Injury/Stroke | · Anxiety Disorder |
| · Bi-polar Disorder | · Panic Disorder |
| · Depression | · Chronic Fatigue Syndrome |
| · Migraine Headaches | · Sleep Disorders |
| · Impulse Control Disorders | · Seizures |
| · Cognitive Disorders | · Chronic Pain |
| · Fibromyalgia | · Addictions |
| · Stress Reduction and learning how to create Meditative States | · Peak Performance Training (used for athletes and performers) |
How is Neurofeedback Conducted?
Some patients will begin with a QEEG, which is simply a non-invasive procedure of measuring brainwave activity. This procedure is completed in under an hour, and result in a "brain map" that identifies areas of impairment in the brain. Most patient's will begin with the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), which is a test assessing a persons ability to pay attention and also assess impulsivity. The results of the TOVA provide a baseline to compare changes after treatment. This test is usually re-administered after 20 sessions to assess the changes that have occurred as a result of the training.
During the initial session, the doctor reviews the patient's history thoroughly and determines the proper protocol to address the client's incoming symptoms. Once a protocol has been selected the neurofeedback treatment can begin. During the next session, the patient will have electrodes attached to the scalp with a conductive paste. This is a non-evasive and painless procedure. The EEG signal is read from the electrodes and through a monitoring device. The patients' brainwaves are read on the doctor's computer through the electrodes that are placed on the patients scalp. The doctor sets a threshold so that when the patient increases or decreases the brainwave microvolt activity he or she will be rewarded. EEG Neurofeedback uses specifically designed computer games and the desired training is then implemented by adjusting the visual or auditory feedback so that the brain perceives this training as positive reinforcement. The patient views a computer game and receives feedback when he/she is reaching the set threshold. For example the patient may be looking at a Pac-Man computer game. Every time the patient increases his/her beta brainwave activity and decreases his/her theta wave activity then the Pac-man will move quickly and eat the dots. If, however he/she does not meet the threshold the Pac-man will remain idle. The computer generated visual and/or auditory stimulation helps establish desired responses. Over time the brainwaves are being trained to move into a new direction and the patient learns to make strong positive brainwaves. These changes are monitored and recorded by electrodes placed on the patient's scalp. Essentially the brain is learning through positive auditory and visual feedback (in the form of a computer game) to retrain brain wave activity.
How Does the Change Occur in the Brain?
The life change interventions that patient's use can be ineffective if neuroregulatory mechanisms are locked into recurring patterns. The brain characteristics will favor cyclical loop patterns and habitual responses over new learning. Neurofeedback directly addresses neural cognitive processes that perpetuate dysfunction and retrains the brain activity. Neurofeedback clears away many of the impediments to change making your interventions more effective. This drug-free approach has been shown to be a highly effective way to treat a variety of conditions.
How Many Sessions are Needed and How Often Should They Occur?
Patients usually attend treatment 2-3 times per week. The number of sessions needed differ based on the type of problem, the severity of the problem, and how long the individual has struggled with the disorder. A person diagnosed with ADHD will typically be completed with treatment after 30-40 sessions. Changes are typically noticed after 10 sessions. The results vary because everyone's brain is different, and the type of diagnosis a patient presents to treatment with will certainly impact the number of sessions required. Between 30 and 40 sessions are usually required for learning disabilities and a number of other disorders. Research has demonstrated on average a 10-20 point increase in IQ after only approximately 25 sessions of Neurofeedback training. In our clinic, most depressed patients benefit from the training immensely after only 10-15 sessions, often to the surprise of the other treatment professionals on the case. Patients with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Bi-polar disorder tend to necessitate a considerable more amount of sessions. Typically, anywhere from 30 to 150 sessions will be needed with TBI depending on the severity of the injury.
Are There any Adverse Effects?
The adverse side effects reported in the literature and seen at our practice have included: inducing insomnia, seizures and causing headaches. Ironically, since EEG-Neurofeedback treats these conditions, adjustment in protocols can be made to quickly alleviate these symptoms.
What do the Patients that have Gone Through the Program Think About Neurofeedback?
Patients at the Sinha Clinic have raved about the efficacy of using Neurofeedback treatment. A 35 year-old man that suffered with AD/HD symptoms since childhood reported that after only 20 sessions of Neurofeedback, he could now "pay attention, focus and no longer act without thinking" (Glen H., former patient). He reported that his family now views him as a "completely different person to live with.able to listen" when family members interact with him. Another patient that suffered a brain injury reported after 25 sessions that he was now "able to comprehend what I read. and my memory has improved dramatically" (Paul K., former patient). A 15 year-old patient that presented to Sinha Clinic with AD/HD and anxiety disorder reports that his test and social anxiety have decreased significantly and he can now "focus on the present rather than worrying about things that haven't happened" (Adam L., former patient). A patient that presented to Sinha Clinic who had suffered with depression for the past 7 years and could not attain any long-term benefits from the therapies and medication she had used in the past reported that after only 15 sessions "I feel happier, I am able to joke around now. and I have energy and no longer want to stay in bed.I don't feel sad like I used to, I just feel better and my husband has really noticed the improvement"(Gale C., former patient.).
Is EEG-Neurofeedback Covered by Insurance?
At the Sinha Clinic we are a "fee for service" program so we ask patients to pay for their service upfront and then provide them with a receipt to bill their insurance. This is similar to how many optomologist or dental practices are managed. Many medical and mental health plans now cover biofeedback for a variety of conditions. Like most procedures covered by insurance a co-pay may be required. A prescription for the training along with a diagnosis may be required by your insurance company to cover the treatment. At the Sinha Clinic, patients are seen by Dr. Young (a clinical psychologist). Patients may also be seen by Dr. Sinha who can provide a prescription for the EEG-neurofeedback if your condition is one that will benefit from the treatment. The conditions that have been researched and shown to provide beneficial results are listed under "Who can benefit from EEG-Neuorfeedback?"
What Other Services are Provided at the Sinha Clinic?
EEG Neurofeedback Including: SMR, alpha/theta training, coherence training, peak performance training, beta training, bi-polar training and other protocols. Assessment Testing Including: Neuropsychological Testing, Achievement Testing, Intelligence Testing, Personality Testing, Projective Testing, and the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) Individual Therapy for adults, adolescents and children Marital and Family Therapy Progressive Relaxation Training
How do I Schedule an Appointment?
To acquire more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Sinha Clinic at the
number below and a representative will be available to assist you.
Sinha Clinic
1400 Lincoln Highway, Suite C
St. Charles, Illinois 60174-3580
Phone: 630-762-9606/
Fax: 630-762-9605
www.sinhaclinic.com
The Sinha Clinic Mission
To provide quality treatment in a caring manner from a holistic perspective and offering comprehensive treatment through listening to the individual needs of our patients and their loved ones.