Here are the most Frequently Asked Questions About Neurotherapy or Nuerofeedback
- How is neurofeedback done?
Neurofeedback training is done on a subconscious level. Our clients watch a show of their choice while
hooked up to our sensors and computer. When their brain waves are performing within the ranges set,
the screen they are watching becomes brighter and an auditory reward is heard. If the waves are not
within the set ranges, the screen becomes dimmer. In a 30 minute training session, your brain receives
hundreds of auditory and visual rewards. The brain craves these rewards and learns how to change the
waves. - Does it hurt?
No, nothing is going into your brain. The sensors on the scalp just listen to your brain waves and the
computer provides auditory and visual feedback (rewards). The brain learns through conditioning. - How effective is neurofeedback?
Clinical research shows an effective rate of about 86% while our office has seen closer to 95% effective
rate of clients achieving their treatment goals. The motivation and willingness of a client to improve
makes a big difference.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has rated neurofeedback as a ”Level 1′′ or “Highly Effective
Treatment.” - Are there any side effects to neurofeedback?
In over 50 years of clinical research with neurofeedback there has not been any side effects reported to
the CDC.
With that said, some clients report feeling a little fatigued after a training session, especially in the early
training sessions.
If you are working on deep emotional issues, then sometimes old feelings may surface. These feelings
are temporary as your brain learns to appropriately deal with them. We offer mental health counseling
sessions as part of the program that can help you get past those feelings.
Those who are working through brain trauma may experience nausea or dizziness with training as their
brain begins its recovery. - How do you create a neurofeedback protocol?
During the assessment process, we gather background information from you including your current
symptoms. A qEEG brain map is done which allows us to identify which areas of the brain are not
performing optimally. For our older teens and adults we also have them complete an online cognitive
test. A treatment protocol is designed based on the results of the brain map, reported symptoms, and
cognitive test (if teen/adult). - What is a qEEG brain map?
The quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) is the recording of the electrical activity of the brain
and compared to a normative database. This provides us with a reference point to where the areas of
dysfunction are located in the brain. - Are the results permanent?
YES! Research shows that permanency can be established after 30-50 training sessions. If you are
diligent about your training at home, that can be achieved in as little as 6 weeks! - Will I still need to take medication?
We recommend that you continue taking your medication when you start neurofeedback training but
also let your prescribing doctor know that you are starting training and that your medication dosage
may need to change. As training progresses most clients find that they need to reduce, if not completely
eliminate, their medication. - How long has neurofeedback been around?
Neurofeedback has a long history, some say going back as far as 100 years, beginning as an area of
study for many neurologists, physiologists, psychiatrists, and scientists. Electroencephalography
(EEG), and Quantitative EEG (qEEG) was not truly popularized until the 1960’s.
The mainstream medical community in Europe has been utilizing neurofeedback as a treatment option
for decades, however it’s been slower to gain popularity in the US. - Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance but we do offer financing options. - How are you different from other neurofeedback clinics?
At A Better Brain, we have a hybrid model of neurofeedback that includes both in-office and at-home
training. Our 12-week program consists of a weekly in-office training, four mental health counseling
sessions, individualized symptom tracker, and a 12-week rental of the equipment to be used at home.
We encourage our clients to get the most out of their treatment by training 5 times a week from home. - What kind of research is there on neurofeedback?
The research on neurofeedback is extensive and growing. It has been shown to have the highest levels
of efficacy in many conditions such as ADHD and anxiety, and very high levels of efficacy in
conditions such as substance abuse and traumatic brain injury. A full list of current and past research is
maintained by the International Society for Neurofeedback & Research.
(the link is http://noviancounseling.wixsite.com/bibliography)