Neurofeedback Common Questions
Have Questions About Neurofeedback?
Get the answers to your questions here. If you have further questions, please call us or use the form at the bottom of the page.
How Can Neurofeedback Work On So Many Conditions?
Many brain issues are caused by irregular brainwaves. Microcurrent neurofeedback works because it does not directly target any conditions and symptoms: It corrects irregular brainwaves and modifies timing patterns in the brain. This is achieved through multiple neurofeedback sessions, where the brain is untrained from the faulty pattern where it is stuck. Most people reach a state of brain health after 10 to 20 sessions that is called “Enduring Sustainability.” This is where the brain is operating within better limits and the symptoms resolve. The result is an improvement in brain regulation, which then impacts a variety of symptoms.
Is Neurofeedback Dangerous?
Absolutely not! Microcurrent neurofeedback is safe because it is non-invasive, requires no drugs and does not produce any radiation like a CT scan does. The goal of microcurrent neurofeedback is to untrain the primitive brain from the faulty pattern where it is stuck in what is called “Sympathetic Freeze!” With multiple sessions, the brain will be untrained so that it can just go back to a normal range of electrical activity.
Are Drugs Needed?
No. Doing Microcurrent Neurofeedback is not dependent on the use of any outside medicines, herbs, vitamins or drugs. And, it is not dependent on any skill you have or need to acquire. It is also NOT dependent upon your attention. It is so safe that it can be done on infants!
Why don't you do a brain map?
The older style of neurofeedback called “Operant Conditioning” required a brain map and we used to do them at Clear Mind Idaho! They were required to get the protocols to “TRAIN” the brain to do the right patterns.
The more advanced style that we use called Microcurrent Neurofeedback untrains the primitive brain from the faulty pattern where it is stuck and the rest of the brain follows! Therefore, the Brain Map is no longer needed!
Why Haven't I heard of Neurofeedback Before?
Neurofeedback has been around since the 1950’s. It is only in the last decade and with the advancement of computer technology that Neurofeedback has been able to move from laboratory research to a system that can be administered in an office setting.
Microcurrent neurofeedback has taken this to the next level because of its ability to “cut to the chase” as far as getting to the core issues of untraining the brain from faulty patterns causing it to be stuck!
Could You Explain More About Brainwaves?
Your brain produces four primary types of brain waves: Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. Beta is primarily active during your awake state, which is the majority of your day. Alpha has to do with your subconscious, and is dominant during relaxed states when your eyes are closed but you are not asleep. Theta is present briefly during the periods before you fall asleep and before you fully wake up. Delta is primarily active when you are asleep. All of these brain waves are equally important to your health, and neurological disorders can be attributed to specific brain waves. For example, when you have brain irregularities caused by a head injury, your brain may have too much frontal theta or delta being produced when you are supposed to be awake and alert. By untraining these abnormal patterns in the affected areas, symptoms can be improved or eliminated.
How Long Do Neurofeedback Sessions Take?
Each session usually lasts 30 minutes.
What Happens During A Neurofeedback Session?
In a microcurrent neurofeedback session, very small electrodes are placed on the scalp and are moved to different locations during your session. Extremely weak pulses of electricity that are imperceptible to humans (3 trillionths of a Watt) that gently nudge the neurons and wake them up from their faulty pattern so that they then can sort of “restart” withing normal regulation! Sessions, from setup to leaving the clinic take about 30 minutes!
Prior to your microcurrent session, we use the low level laser therapy to increase energy production in the brain so that it can have all of the energy it needs for you microcurrent session!
How Soon Will I See Results From Neurofeedback?
Symptoms: Regardless of the reason you came to our office, it is important to understand the difference between symptoms and their cause. As your program progresses, you will have good days and bad days. Don’t get caught up in the roller coaster; it is normal. You will be happiest and get the best results if you understand that this is a process designed to get you functioning at your peak level and get you on the road to wellness. Stay focused on this outcome so you are pleased with your results and can enjoy the journey.
The timing results will vary from person to person based on many factors including general health, exercise, stress, diet, length of time with the condition, the initial severity score given to each patient before starting care. Some people start to feel different within a couple of sessions but is different for all patients. It’s important to not get impatient or judge improvements (or lack thereof) from day to day. Once your brain gets to the point (95% reach this between 10-20 sessions) of “Enduring Sustainability” you will not need to come in for more sessions. That is, unless more trauma happens. In those cases, it usually only takes a few sessions to get the brain back up to normal again. Neurofeedback helps to improve functions such as concentration, short-term memory, speech, motor skills, sleep, energy level, emotional balance and much more!
How Long Will The Effects Of Neurofeedback Last?
Long term follow ups have been done on many patients over the years. Dr. Joel Lubar at the University of Tennessee has followed ADD clients who’ve sustained their improvements from neurofeedback for 10-20 years. Published research on epilepsy 12 months after brain training shows the effects on epilepsy usually holds.
Can I Use Neurofeedback While On Medication?
Yes you can start neurofeedback while on your medications. As you progress your physician might suggest that you slowly reduce or eliminate certain medications related to the condition that you are addressing with neurofeedback. Since every patient is unique, the decision to reduce medication will be up to you and your physician. More research is needed on this, but a common theory is that the same dosage seems to have a stronger effect on a more efficient brain.
Can Neurofeedback Cause Negative Effects?
There are no known side affects that are caused by microcurrent neurofeedback. However, sometimes the brain gets a little overworked from the session and you may feel a little tired. It’s sort of like going to a personal trainer and he has you work your muscles. But it’s your brain!
Rarely, a person can experience what is called “Over Stim.” This can be caused by many factors including things like your emotional state from things going on in your life that made your brain more fragile. If this happens, there is a protocol that takes 15 seconds to undue the Over Stim and you will be good to go! Over Stim is not dangerous but it can make you feel worse temporarily.
Can Neurofeedback Help With ADD And ADHD?
Recent research suggests that individuals with ADD/ADHD tend to have elevated theta brainwave activity and low levels of beta brainwave activity. Symptoms of ADD/ADHD are usually reduced when brainwave activity is changed. Neurofeedback is commonly used as an adjunct or alternative treatment to medication and behavior management.
How Much Research Is There On Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback has been around for decades. To date there are thousands of studies, with more being published every day. The International Society of Neurofeedback and Research has a comprehensive bibliograpthy on all the research related to neurofeedback for a variety of conditions.