WHAT IS AN EEG?

            The human brain sends messages to the body and receives messages from the body by using electricity.  The brain does this using a complex network of specialized cells called neurons, combined with specific hormones and chemicals produced by the body and the brain for this purpose. 

            Your brain produces four distinct types of rhythmic electrical impulses known as brain waves, labeled with the Greek letters Alpha, Beta, Theta, and Delta.  Brain waves are measured in electrical units known as Hertz.  Hertz is a standard unit of measurement equal to a frequency of one cycle per second.  Each brain wave has it’s own unique frequency range.  Beta measures 15 Hertz and above.  Alpha is 8-14 Hertz.  Theta is 4-7 Hertz.  Delta is less than 4 Hertz. 

            People produce a mixture of brain waves frequencies at any given time.  An electroencephalogram, or EEG, is a recording of brain wave activity.  Brain waves are measured and recorded using an instrument known as an EEG machine.  Beta waves are dominant during the normal waking state and provide energy for the brain to focus and concentrate.  Alpha waves are the relaxing state of the brain and are more apparent when the eyes are closed, during meditation, relaxation, and while dreaming. The slower Theta and Delta are normally dominant during deep sleep.  They slow down the brain and are the healing brainwaves of body and brain.

            When there is a brain injury or irregularity, the brain tends to over-produce Theta frequency, causing an abnormal slowing of brain function when the brain is in an awake state.  All-Digital, Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback uses a special computer and amplifier to display the brain waves in less than one-thousandth of a second delay.  All-Digital, Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback provides immediate feedback for retraining of the brain.  During All-Digital, Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback training, the brain learns to inhibit this abnormal amount of Theta and create balance, or homeostasis, of the brain waves. 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SESSION?

            In All-Digital, Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback training, non-invasive, painless sensors—called electrodes—are placed on the surface of the head.  The electrodes do not have needles and do not produce any electrical current.  The electrodes enable the brain wave patterns to be amplified and displayed on the computer screen.  There are two colored columns to the left of the brain wave patterns.  One is green and the other is yellow.  These columns give information about the brain wave activity and move up and down as the brain waves are being produced. 

WHAT DO I DO DURING A SESSION? 

            Your job is to keep your brain’s attention on the task.  You do that by simply relaxing and watching the yellow column.  The process of changing the brain’s activity is unconscious.  Your brain knows what to do and you can help the very most by relaxing, observing, and encouraging your brain.

HOW DO I MAKE THE YELLOW COLUMN STAY DOWN?

            It is not possible to “make” it happen.  As your brain attends to the information on the screen, it will make this happen without you trying.  The process of changing your brain’s activity is unconscious, just like other brain functions such as controlling breathing, blood pressure, body temperature or healing a cut finger.

HOW LONG IS A SESSION?

            The actual time spent on the machine is usually 30 minutes.  Extra time is required to place the electrodes, set up the machine and discuss progress.  Each session lasts about 40-50minutes.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL IT TAKE?

            Individuals are different and learn at different rates.  Conditions vary in the amount of time needed for correction.  The more complicated or severe the condition, the more sessions are needed.   Uncomplicated attention deficit disorder usually takes 30-40 sessions.  Migraine headaches usually need 15-20.  Most conditions require 40-60 sessions.  Some conditions, such as epilepsy, severe head injury, or coma recovery may need many more sessions.

WHEN WILL I SEE SOME CHANGES?

            Some change is usually seen within the first 12-15 sessions.  However, there are individual variations and some people experience changes in 3 sessions and others after 30 sessions.  Because there is such a wide variation, it is helpful to keep track of your progress with short notes or a brief diary of what you are experiencing.  Include what your symptoms or concerns are just before you begin treatment and note changes you or your family, friends, and/or teachers notice as you go through the sessions.  You can also receive a copy of the summary of each session to see changes in brain wave patterns.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP IMPROVE MY TRAINING SESSIONS?

            Eat a well-balanced, high-protein, low-sugar diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables, and whole grains.  It is important to include high quality animal protein in your diet to help heal the brain, therefore eat lean meats, chicken, and fish.  If you are a vegetarian it is especially important to include eggs and cheese.   Drink 6-10 glasses of water daily, (soft drinks, tea, and coffee don’t count).  As much as possible, avoid refined sugars, caffeine, chocolate, cola drinks, artificial sweeteners, artificial preservatives, and chemical additives.  Do light exercise, walk or swim as often as possible.  Be sure to get plenty of sleep, especially before and after your sessions.  Take balanced nutritional vitamin/mineral supplements to maintain a healthy body and brain.

WHAT KINDS OF CONDITIONS CAN BE HELPED BY EEG NEUROFEEDBACK?          

            No claims are being made to cure or diagnose any illness, disease, or condition using All-Digital, Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback.  However, many people have reported experiencing improvement after being diagnosed with one or more of the following conditions:

Anxiety/panic disorder 

Anoxia (oxygen deprivation)

CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT SOME PARTS OF THE BRAIN CONTROL?

            The brain is divided into two halves, known as the right and left hemisphere.  Each hemisphere is also divided into sections called lobes.   Many parts of the brain are interconnected and control similar functions, but each part also has unique functions.  The following provides a limited explanation of some brain functions.

FRONTAL LOBES:

  Ability to feel and express emotions     

  Ability to understand feelings of others

  Anxiety and panic attacks

  Attention span

  Balance

 Control  distractibility                                            

  Control hyperactivity

  Control rage/anger

  Control time management 

  Feelings of self-worth

  Impulse control

  Judgment

  Learning from experience

  Maintaining focus

  Organization  

  Problem solving

  Procrastination and initiation of action

  Social anxiety

  Visual perception

RIGHT TEMPORAL LOBE  

    Ability to understand the whole       concept  (gestalt)

    Creativity

     Emotional control

     Fine Motor Control

     Memory

     Social skills

     Visual learning

     Visualization

LEFT TEMPORAL LOBE

     Auditory learning

     Control of aggression

     Language skills

     Logical functioning

     Math skills

     Reading skills

     Short-term memory

     Speech

Do you still have questions or need more information?  Please feel free to contact me  anytime!  I look forward to hearing from you.