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Tampa Bay Neurofeedback
What is neurofeedback?
Scientific Studies & Brainwave Activity
The brain is a complex and amazing organ which transmits signals from one area of
the brain to the other in fractions of a second. Each of our thoughts, movements,
feelings, and emotions are first processed within the brain. It was discovered many
years ago that these signals can be measured externally by sensitive electronic
equipment like an electroencephalogram (EEG). Scientists found that the
brainwaves could be divided by frequency into four basic categories based on the
state of mind or mental activity involved. These categories are named using letters
from the Greek alphabet as follows: β: beta; α: alpha; θ: theta; δ: delta. The Beta
region is the most active state while Delta is the least active state.
Brainwaves, Frequency, and Activity:
Beta: 14-40 Hertz, found when the brain is most active and aroused. A person
may be in active conversation or performing a difficult task.
Alpha: 8-13 Hertz, found when the brain is relaxed or focused. A person may be
reflecting over a completed task or meditating in a quiet garden.
Theta: 4-7 Hertz, a state of daydreaming. In the relaxed Theta state a person
may have free-flowing ideas.
Delta: 1-3 Hertz, occurs during sleep. Delta brainwaves of 2-3 hertz are found in a
dreaming sleep state while the lower frequency,1-2 Hertz, Delta waves occur
during deep dreamless sleep.
During early research, scientists studied a portion of the brain’s
frequency range at 12-15 Hertz that they called SensoriMotor Rhythm
(SMR) . This is the frequency produced by a cat while in a calm, still
state, but alert and ready to pounce. This is the frequency that allows
for peak performance.
Neurofeedback is a painless, non-invasive way to alter the brain’s electrical
activity. Electrical brainwave activity occurs continuously in the brain, whether a
person is awake or asleep. The electrical patterns reflect the functioning of neural
networks within the brain, and therefore, a person’s mood and behavior. Normal
patterns of electrical activity may be altered by disease states, drugs, and willful
mental activity. Neurofeedback brings the brain back into a normally functioning
mode.
Neurofeedback is a natural, self-regulating method designed to train
the brain back to its normal balance allowing it to function optimally.
Neurofeedback is used to promote optimal functioning brain activity by
reinforcing the brain state that corresponds to calm, alert, stillness. This results in
improved brain stability which by itself can improve a number of conditions such as
migraine headaches and epilepsy (examples of brain instability).
Neurofeedback training can reduce or eliminate the need for many
drugs used to treat disorders of the brain.
How is this done?
Highly sensitive pads that are able to measure the signals emanating from inside
the brain are attached at specific locations to the patients scalp and ears with a
conductive paste. Problematic brain conditions, such as ADD or depression, are
known to correspond with abnormal brainwave activity in certain regions of the
brain. The technician determines the locations of the pads depending on the
disorder being treated and the desired goals by stabilizing brainwave activity at the
beginning of the treatment. The signals from the pads are sent to the computer
while the patient watches a computer monitor of various activities. The game will
only ‘go’ if the person’s brainwaves are operating in the desired frequencies, thus
training the patient’s brainwave activity to normal regions.
20 to 40 sessions are usually required for optimal results.
What conditions does neurofeedback help?
It is useful in any condition where brain disregulation is occurring. The list of
disorders that respond well to neurofeedback includes, but is not limited to:
ADD/ADHD anxiety
epilepsy depression
neuropathy sleep disorders
migraines OCD
Tourette's Traumatic Brain Injury
fibromyalgia Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Asberger's PTSD
Does Neurofeedback cure these conditions?
While neurofeedback certainly changes brainwave patterns in a way that is usually
permanent and does alleviate the symptoms, it is not considered a "cure" in the
traditional sense. For example, while a person who had migraines may no longer
have them, they may still have a greater vulnerability to them. Because the brain
is learning a new skill it can keep, it tends to last as it has reset itself and learned a
new pattern of activity.
Neurofeedback training can improve overall mood levels and help the
patient in areas such as concentration, attention span, short-term
memory, learning and language abilities, speech, motor skills, reading
comprehension, sleep, energy, emotional balance, creativity and social
behavior.
How long does each session take?
Sessions last 45 -60 minutes long allowing 30 minutes for Neurofeedback and 15-
20 minutes for evaluation, set up and clean up. Sessions are usually done twice per
week. The average length of treatment is 20-40 sessions and most individuals will
begin to notice changes after just a few weeks. In some difficult cases, 60 or more
sessions may be needed.
What is the success rate?
We have been training both adults and children in our office since 2002 and can
attest first-hand to the 85-90% success rate reported in the medical literature.
What are the risks/side effects?
There is no evidence, either from our experience or from the literature that the
treatment is harmful or that it creates any negative side effects. In fact, any side
effects seem to be in terms of unanticipated improvement in other problems that
were not the focus of treatment. Any worsening of symptoms that might occur are
not serious, are usually transient and can be corrected by shifting the brain wave
target ranges and electrode locations.
Will my insurance pay for it?
Neurofeedback is still considered relatively new and is usually not covered by most
insurance companies, even though it has been in use for more than 25 years and
multiple scientific studies have proven its efficacy. We hope this situation will
change in the near future as the potential of Neurofeedback and its use in a variety
of clinical applications becomes more widely accepted.
What about my medications?
No change in your usual medication schedule is required when
starting Neurofeedback. While many people undergo
Neurofeedback with the goal of reducing or eliminating the need
for medications, changes in response to Neurofeedback occur
slowly and gradually. If you feel a medication adjustment is
needed at some point, you should consult with your physician
about making any changes.
What equipment do you use?
In our office we use the BrainMaster, Neurocybernetics, and/or the Smart
BrainGames systems. We also provide clinically supervised home training using
the SmartBrainGames system (includes initial evaluation, monthly visits,
consultation via phone and/or computer, and protocol changes as needed.) We are
able to do TOVA testing (a test for ADD/ADHD).
Neurofeedback Facts
NASA has used Neurofeedback to train jet pilots and astronauts to
improve their concentration, helping to prevent accidents, and
alleviating symptoms of severe space sickness.
Neurofeedback is being used by many Collegiate, Olympic and
Professional athletes to enhance their performance and increase
concentration during competition.
Scientific Studies & Brainwave Activity
The brain is a complex and amazing organ which transmits signals from one area of
the brain to the other in fractions of a second. Each of our thoughts, movements,
feelings, and emotions are first processed within the brain. It was discovered many
years ago that these signals can be measured externally by sensitive electronic
equipment like an electroencephalogram (EEG). Scientists found that the
brainwaves could be divided by frequency into four basic categories based on the
state of mind or mental activity involved. These categories are named using letters
from the Greek alphabet as follows: β: beta; α: alpha; θ: theta; δ: delta. The Beta
region is the most active state while Delta is the least active state.
Brainwaves, Frequency, and Activity:
Beta: 14-40 Hertz, found when the brain is most active and aroused. A person
may be in active conversation or performing a difficult task.
Alpha: 8-13 Hertz, found when the brain is relaxed or focused. A person may be
reflecting over a completed task or meditating in a quiet garden.
Theta: 4-7 Hertz, a state of daydreaming. In the relaxed Theta state a person
may have free-flowing ideas.
Delta: 1-3 Hertz, occurs during sleep. Delta brainwaves of 2-3 hertz are found in a
dreaming sleep state while the lower frequency,1-2 Hertz, Delta waves occur
during deep dreamless sleep.
During early research, scientists studied a portion of the brain’s
frequency range at 12-15 Hertz that they called SensoriMotor Rhythm
(SMR) . This is the frequency produced by a cat while in a calm, still
state, but alert and ready to pounce. This is the frequency that allows
for peak performance.
Neurofeedback is a painless, non-invasive way to alter the brain’s electrical
activity. Electrical brainwave activity occurs continuously in the brain, whether a
person is awake or asleep. The electrical patterns reflect the functioning of neural
networks within the brain, and therefore, a person’s mood and behavior. Normal
patterns of electrical activity may be altered by disease states, drugs, and willful
mental activity. Neurofeedback brings the brain back into a normally functioning
mode.
Neurofeedback is a natural, self-regulating method designed to train
the brain back to its normal balance allowing it to function optimally.
Neurofeedback is used to promote optimal functioning brain activity by
reinforcing the brain state that corresponds to calm, alert, stillness. This results in
improved brain stability which by itself can improve a number of conditions such as
migraine headaches and epilepsy (examples of brain instability).
Neurofeedback training can reduce or eliminate the need for many
drugs used to treat disorders of the brain.
How is this done?
Highly sensitive pads that are able to measure the signals emanating from inside
the brain are attached at specific locations to the patients scalp and ears with a
conductive paste. Problematic brain conditions, such as ADD or depression, are
known to correspond with abnormal brainwave activity in certain regions of the
brain. The technician determines the locations of the pads depending on the
disorder being treated and the desired goals by stabilizing brainwave activity at the
beginning of the treatment. The signals from the pads are sent to the computer
while the patient watches a computer monitor of various activities. The game will
only ‘go’ if the person’s brainwaves are operating in the desired frequencies, thus
training the patient’s brainwave activity to normal regions.
20 to 40 sessions are usually required for optimal results.
What conditions does neurofeedback help?
It is useful in any condition where brain disregulation is occurring. The list of
disorders that respond well to neurofeedback includes, but is not limited to:
ADD/ADHD anxiety
epilepsy depression
neuropathy sleep disorders
migraines OCD
Tourette's Traumatic Brain Injury
fibromyalgia Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Asberger's PTSD
Does Neurofeedback cure these conditions?
While neurofeedback certainly changes brainwave patterns in a way that is usually
permanent and does alleviate the symptoms, it is not considered a "cure" in the
traditional sense. For example, while a person who had migraines may no longer
have them, they may still have a greater vulnerability to them. Because the brain
is learning a new skill it can keep, it tends to last as it has reset itself and learned a
new pattern of activity.
Neurofeedback training can improve overall mood levels and help the
patient in areas such as concentration, attention span, short-term
memory, learning and language abilities, speech, motor skills, reading
comprehension, sleep, energy, emotional balance, creativity and social
behavior.
How long does each session take?
Sessions last 45 -60 minutes long allowing 30 minutes for Neurofeedback and 15-
20 minutes for evaluation, set up and clean up. Sessions are usually done twice per
week. The average length of treatment is 20-40 sessions and most individuals will
begin to notice changes after just a few weeks. In some difficult cases, 60 or more
sessions may be needed.
What is the success rate?
We have been training both adults and children in our office since 2002 and can
attest first-hand to the 85-90% success rate reported in the medical literature.
What are the risks/side effects?
There is no evidence, either from our experience or from the literature that the
treatment is harmful or that it creates any negative side effects. In fact, any side
effects seem to be in terms of unanticipated improvement in other problems that
were not the focus of treatment. Any worsening of symptoms that might occur are
not serious, are usually transient and can be corrected by shifting the brain wave
target ranges and electrode locations.
Will my insurance pay for it?
Neurofeedback is still considered relatively new and is usually not covered by most
insurance companies, even though it has been in use for more than 25 years and
multiple scientific studies have proven its efficacy. We hope this situation will
change in the near future as the potential of Neurofeedback and its use in a variety
of clinical applications becomes more widely accepted.
What about my medications?
No change in your usual medication schedule is required when
starting Neurofeedback. While many people undergo
Neurofeedback with the goal of reducing or eliminating the need
for medications, changes in response to Neurofeedback occur
slowly and gradually. If you feel a medication adjustment is
needed at some point, you should consult with your physician
about making any changes.
What equipment do you use?
In our office we use the BrainMaster, Neurocybernetics, and/or the Smart
BrainGames systems. We also provide clinically supervised home training using
the SmartBrainGames system (includes initial evaluation, monthly visits,
consultation via phone and/or computer, and protocol changes as needed.) We are
able to do TOVA testing (a test for ADD/ADHD).
Neurofeedback Facts
NASA has used Neurofeedback to train jet pilots and astronauts to
improve their concentration, helping to prevent accidents, and
alleviating symptoms of severe space sickness.
Neurofeedback is being used by many Collegiate, Olympic and
Professional athletes to enhance their performance and increase
concentration during competition.