What is neurofeedback?
The brain whispers messages to the body through electrical impulses transmitted to the central nervous system. When the brain is injured, these electrical impulses or brain waves are disturbed creating abnormal rhythmic patterns. When the brain continues to transmit these abnormal patterns, imbalances are created in the body. Since the body naturally desires balance, neurofeedback merely assists the brain in bringing itself and the body back into balance. With the technological advancements on neurofeedback equipment, these whispers 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 correction of abnormal rhythmic patterns. Neurofeedback is one of the most compelling examples of the body’s ability to self regulate and bring itself back into balance. It offers individuals an opportunity to participate in their own healing process. Non invasive sensors or electrodes are connected to specific sites on the surface of the head.

How does it work?
The high speed neurofeedback equipment can filter out and display a wide array of electrical patterns and frequencies produced by the brain. Two of the most significant ones clinically are the beta, (a fast wave) and theta, (a slow wave). Generally, the client’s goal is to produce stronger beta waves and inhibit excessive slower theta waves. The computer assists the brain in recognizing normal rhythmic patterns by producing audio and visual reinforcement when they occur. The brain makes the appropriate corrections immediately.

How can it help me?
Neurofeedback helps to improve functions such as concentration, short term memory, speech, motor skills, sleep, energy level and emotional balance. The results of the training are permanent unless another trauma or injury occurs. Once the brain’s normal rhythmic patterns have been restored, the neurofeedback training is no longer necessary.

What conditions is it used for?
Conditions that benefit from the use of neurofeedback are:

* Migraines, headaches
* Stroke
* ADD/ADHD Coma
* Dyslexia Migraine & cluster headaches
* Learning disabilities
* Anoxia (oxygen deprivation)
* Autism and pervasive developmental disability * Depression, anxiety
* Open and closed head injury
* Cerebral palsy
* Concussion/whiplash
* Fibromyalgia
* Post neurosurgical trauma
* Obsessive compulsive disorder Epilepsy

fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scans of children with ADD document that after a series of neurofeedback treatments there were actual changes in brain activity during a complex cognitive task illustrating enhanced brain function.

Check out www.Alertfocus.com/fMRI abstract for more information.

For more information on eeg neurofeedback go to www.neuropathways.com