Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback is training for your brain, just like the gym is training for your muscles. However, instead of training to grow bigger muscles, neurofeedback trains your brain to work harmoniously and efficiently towards a more desired, healthy state.

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Why Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback training can be vital for those with mental illnesses, neurological diseases, and head trauma because of the disruptive changes in brain activity that such issues can cause(1). For example, someone with chronic anxiety might have underactive alpha brain waves which strongly contribute to panic attacks and restlessness(2). Fortunately for us, our brains are adaptable. With enough neurofeedback training, our brains can correct the preexisting imbalances, form lasting positive changes, and significantly improve behavioral function.

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Neurofeedback is Safe wit No Side Effects

Incredibly safe, non-invasive therapy with no common side effects

Long Lasting Effects of Neurofeedback

Highly personalized therapy that creates lasting improvements up to years after therapy ends

Neurofeedback Therapy can benefit those with Insomnia, Anxiety, & ADHD
Can help those with insomnia, anxiety, ADHD, migraines, cognitive decline, and much more

Who Can Neurofeedback Help?

Neurofeedback can be used to reduce the symptoms of the following diseases and illnesses. A unique protocol is designed for each client depending on their symptoms, and it is adjusted as they progress through further sessions(1,2).

How Does Neurofeedback Work?

Neurofeedback works by monitoring your brain waves in real time and providing your brain with instant feedback. This “feedback” can take different forms depending on the person being treated. For example, a common practice is to have the client watch a movie during their session. Whenever the client’s brain waves are at the desired range, the movie plays in high quality (feedback). However, as soon as the client’s brain wave activity diverts from that optimal range, the movie starts to get blurry (more feedback).

The client’s brain starts to learn that, in order to get the movie to play in high quality, it must reach the desired pattern of brain wave activity. Your brain eventually learns to constantly function at the optimal pattern of activity as opposed to the unhealthy pattern at which it previously operated. This electrical changes in your brain are translated into real, visible behavioral improvements such as improved mood, decreased anxiety, and better cognitive functioning.

Neurofeedback EEG Biofeedback
Neurofeedback EEG Biofeedback - Durham, NC
Neurofeedback Therapy in Durham, NC
Neurofeedback Therapy in North Carolina

What Are the Benefits of Neurofeedback?

While the effects depend on the patient, condition being treated, number and frequency of of treatments. Patients who have received neurofeedback training have experienced the following benefits in as little as 10 sessions.

  • Improved Memory
  • Increased Focus
  • Improved Self Regulation
  • Better Manage Stress
  • Improved Sleep
  • Reduced ADHD Symptoms
  • Reduced Anxiety
  • Improved Depression Symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions About Neurofeedback

How do I get started with Neurofeedback (new patients)?

Before you come into the clinic, you will need to register as a patient in our patient portal. Here you will enter your medical history and primary reason/s for starting Neurofeedback. After this step, you will be able to schedule an initial consultation with our Nurse Practitioner. You will then need a Neurofeedback-specific consultation our Neurofeedback practitioner. This will include a more detailed conversation about how Neurofeedback can help you, as well as a brain map (quantitative EEG) to guide your Neurofeedback protocol development.

How do I add Neurofeedback to my treatment plan (existing patients)?

If you are already receiving treatment at Extivita (HBOT, nutritional IV’s, etc), you do not need to complete another consultation with our Nurse Practitioner. However, you will need a consultation with our Neurofeedback practitioner. This will include a more detailed conversation about how Neurofeedback can help you, as well as a brain map (quantitative EEG) to guide your Neurofeedback protocol development.

What happens in a Neurofeedback session?
The typical Neurofeedback session will start with a brief check-in to help us monitor your progress. The practitioner will then set up the EEG cap and calibrate the cap with the Neurofeedback software. During training, you might play a simple video game, watch an episode of TV, or simply relax. While doing so, you will receive some sort of feedback such as soft beeps and/or TV-screen dimming. This feedback only occurs when your brain is operating within the desired ranges of activity. After the Neurofeedback session, you will have another quick check-in with the practitioner and then you are free to go!
How long does a Neurofeedback session last?
A typical session will last anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour including check-in, training, and check-out.
How often are Neurofeedback sessions?
We highly recommend starting with 2-3 sessions per week, ideally with a rest day in-between each training day. As you improve, it is common to decrease the number of training sessions to 1-2 per week.
What will my Neurofeedback protocol be?
Your protocol will be specific to you. While there are some common protocols that are used for specific conditions, a personalized protocol is the most effective. Our Neurofeedback practitioner will take into account your quantitative EEG (brain map), your symptom assessment results, and condition-specific research when developing your protocol.
How many Neurofeedback sessions will I need?

This depends on the condition that you are receiving Neurofeedback for, as well as how well your brain responds to training. In most cases, you should start to notice improvements after 10 sessions, although some patients may experience this earlier or later. We recommend 20 or more sessions to ensure that the improvements you make during training persist for months to years after you stop receiving Neurofeedback.

What is a brain map (qEEG)?
A brain map, or quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG), reveals how your brain activity compares to other people in your demographic as well as any imbalances within your own brain. It tells us which brain waves are hyperactive or hypoactive, and where in the brain these abnormalities are occurring.
Is Neurofeedback safe?
Yes. Neurofeedback is non-invasive and has no serious side-effects. Some patients may feel slightly fatigued or have a mild headache following a session, just like your muscles would after a workout. However, these effects are short-term and rarely continue past the day of your session.
Is anything being put into my brain?
No. The electrode cap has electrodes that rest on your scalp and record the cortical activity of your brain – there is no electrostimulation or invasive procedure of any type.

Recent Neurofeedback News & Research

References:
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  3. Luijmes, Robin E., et al. “The Effectiveness of Neurofeedback on Cognitive Functioning in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: Preliminary Results.” Neurophysiologie Clinique/Clinical Neurophysiology, vol. 46, no. 3, June 2016, pp. 179–87. ScienceDirect, doi:10.1016/j.neucli.2016.05.069.
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