QEEG / EEG Neurofeedback
What is QEEG and EEG Neurofeedback? Information?
QEEG Brain Mapping is a diagnostic procedure that records electrical activity in the brain. Most people are familiar with the EKG that represents the electrical activity of the heart. EEG represents the electrical activity of the brain. It serves as a basis for identifying variations in brain function that are associated with different types of neurological disorders including Attention Deficit Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Depression, Dementia, Mild Head Injury and Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder. This electrical activity can be recorded by using sensors placed on the scalp and feeding it back on a computer monitor. Brain mapping provides a more objective and accurate diagnosis and provides more detailed information on any brainwave imbalance. This brain map helps guide the neuroNeurofeedback training.
Different EEG patterns correspond to different mental states. There are different patterns for sleep:
- Sleep and wakening states
- Focused concentration and daydreaming
- Impulsive and reflective states
- Hyperactive and calm
EEG Neurofeedback
Children with ADD or ADHD appear to have slow brainwaves that dominate the faster brainwaves that are typically associated with alertness, problem-solving, reading , and performing tasks. If children with ADD/ADHD are asked to read while they are hooked up to an EEG, their brainwaves slow down rather than speed up into the beta range that is required for concentration and attention. QEEG has been used as a diagnostic tool and helps direct medication selection.
EEG Neurofeedback training involves learning to change these computer images by actively involving the client to learn to regulate their own physiology. Because these changes in brainwaves are initially small and momentary, a great deal of coaching and reinforcement is done during the training sessions. Much like physical therapy is used to strengthen muscles and extend range of motion, brainwave Neurofeedback uses a series of instrument assisted training sessions over several weeks or months to help a person gain greater control and flexibility in brainwave activity.
How Do We know what to "tune"?
We use data from the quantitative EEG to discover what areas of the brain are having a hard time activating, or having a hard time synchronizing with each other. With this detailed analysis, EEG Neurofeedback protocols are developed to retrain the brain, leading to increased communication, processing and attentional capabilities. A neurologist and Encephaloglogist will interpret the EEG and identify any organic issues that may contribute to psychiatric illness. This allows for effective training in more complex cases such as multiple learning disabilities, developmental delays and mild head injuries. EEG Neurofeedback training consists of 35 tp 40 sessions 2 to 3 times per week.