What is Neurotherapy?

Neurotherapy, also known as EEG Neurofeedback, or EEG Operant Conditioning, is a learning procedure that enables patients to improve mental functioning, normalize behavior and stabilize mood. Human problems occur when the rhythmic patterns of the brain (EEG Activity) become dysregulated. The dysregulated brain can result in conditions of under arousal, over arousal, and unstable arousal. (See Symptoms & Brain Arousal States)

With the technological advancements of neurofeedback equipment the EEG frequencies from the brain can now be amplified and projected on a computer screen as they are occurring in the brain. This capability is called "real time". It enables a more skilled and precise interpretation of the brain wave patterns and provides the opportunity for immediate correction of abnormal rhythmic patterns.

A Non-Invasive Process

Non-invasive sensors, or electrodes, are connected to specific sites on the surface of the head. The sensors enable the brain wave patterns to be displayed on the computer screen. By placing the sensors strategically on the head, specific areas of the brain can be trained to replace abnormal rhythmic patterns with normal rhythmic patterns.

The high-speed neurofeedback equipment can filter out and display any EEG electrical pattern or frequency produced in the brain. Two of the most significant ones are beta fast waves, and theta, a slow wave which ranges from four to seven cycles a second. Generally, the client's goal is to inhibit excessive theta wave patterns, and lower their amplitude. The computer assists the brain in recognizing normal patterns by producing audio and visual reinforcement when they occur. The brain makes the appropriate corrections immediately.

Once the brain's normal patterns have been restored, the neurofeedback training is no longer necessary. The effects of the neurofeedback training is similar to the effects of training wheels on a bicycle. Once you learn to balance yourself, the training wheels are no longer needed. The body does not forget.

During the last 15 years, clinicians around the world using this technology have enjoyed great positive outcomes. Predictable positive outcomes are the key to effective treatment.

We recommend the following resources to learn more about neurotherapy:

• www.eeginfo.com
• ADD The 20 Hour Solution - by Mark Steinberg, Ph.D. and Siegfried Othmer, Ph.D., Robert Reed, Publishers
• A Symphony in the Brain - by Jim Robbins, Atlantic Monthly Press - New York
• Getting Rid of Ritalin - by Robert W. Hill, PhD and Eduardo Castor, M.D., Hampton Roads Publishing Co.

Clinical Electroencephalography

The official Journal of the EEG and Clinical Neuroscience Society (ECNS) reports in Vol. 31, No. 1, January 2000, in an editorial by Frank H. Duffy, M.D., associate editor of Neurology that "in my opinion, if any medication had demonstrated such a wide spectrum of efficacy (EEG Operant Conditioning) it would be universally accepted and widely used." This publication lists 23 medical doctors, all neurologists, on their editorial board.

Please contact Better Brain Care to schedule an appointment for evaluation and demonstration.

Phone: (850) 656-1129