Traditional Neurofeedback

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback or brain wave training is a non-invasive, non-medication alternative which is based on the brain’s ability to retrain and heal itself which is called neuroplasticity. Because of the brain’s ability to utilize its neuroplasticity, the brain can learn to respond to healthy patterns and learn how to self-regulate. Self-regulation is a necessary part of good brain function. It allows the brain and the central nervous to function and balance. Using state of the art computer software, EEG Neurofeedback or EEG Biofeedback teaches the brain to respond to healthy patterns and learn to self-regulate. Neurofeedback is based on the electrical activity of the brain. Dysfunctional patterns that have resulted in painful symptoms and behavior can be re-trained and balanced utilizing this technology. Neurofeedback was developed at UCLA in the 1960’s. We now have decades of peer review research which suggests that neurofeedback is an efficacious and long term solution for many disorders.

Frank Duffy, MD is a Neurologist and Professor at Harvard Medical School and Head of the Neuroimaging Research at Boston’s Children’s Hospital. He conducted an independent review of the literature for Clinical Electroencephalography (2000) and Neurofeedback. Dr. Duffy summarized his findings from his research:

“The literature, which lacks any negative study of substance, suggest that EEG Biofeedback therapy should play a major role in many difficult areas. In my opinion, if any medication had demonstrated such a wide spectrum of efficacy it would be universally accepted and widely used.”

In January 2005 the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America devoted a special issue to the emerging interventions that affect brain function. Neurofeedback was discussed in seven of the ten chapters in the volume. The volume editors provided their clinical perspective regarding Neurofeedback and concluded:

“EEG biofeedback meets the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry criteria for clinical guidelines (CG) for the treatment of ADHD, seizure disorder, anxiety, (OCD, GAD, PTSD, phobias), depression, reading disabilities, and addictive disorders. This suggests that EEG biofeedback should always be considered as an intervention for these disorders by the clinician”.

Dr. Blume utilizes a QEEG Brain Map prior to starting Neurofeedback treatment. This allows Dr. Blume to analyze a person’s brainwaves and compare a person’s brain functioning to FDA approved data bases of normal populations stratified by age and sex. This allows Dr. Blume to accurately and scientifically target the areas of the brain that require Neurofeedback training.

During Neurofeedback training, electrodes are placed on a person’s scalp and earlobes. The computer then records a person’s brainwaves and creates a continuous feedback loop of correction from the brain to the computer and back again the person’s brainwaves. The process of Neurofeedback is completely painless and non-invasive. No electrical stimulation is involved in this process. People typically feel very relaxed after their treatments. With repetition the brain learns to self-regulate and hold the corrections. This results in more efficient functioning.

Neurofeedback can address a variety of disorders including: