Neurofeedback at LGS

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a form of biofeedback, using neurological input/data (“brainwave biofeedback”). 

What is biofeedback? 

Using technology, one learns how to influence previously thought to be non-influential functions within the autonomic nervous system (i.e. heart rate, hand temperature, etc.). The technology reflects one’s physiology instantly with feedback, so that one can detect changes and therefore learn to influence these internal activities.

Neuroplasticity is the concept that one’s brain is able to change. Neurons are basic brain cells. When they fire together, they wire together. The more neurons fire in relation to each other, the quicker they will fire together again in the future. 

By using the concept of operant conditioning, neurofeedback uses positive rewards (i.e. louder music, brighter videos, etc..) in order to rewire neural pathways in a different direction.  

What is Neurofeedback good for?

  • Better Sleep 

  • Better ability to focus & stay focused 

  • Overall stability 

  • ADD/ADHD 

  • PTSD 

  • Anxiety 

  • A few things that it can help with, but it’s been shown to have lower clinical efficacy:  Chronic Pain, Reactivity 

What to expect during Neurofeedback Sessions: 

Sessions happen about 2x/week (think of it like lifting weights or learning a new language. Especially at the start, the momentum helps to retain the new information) 

Psychological Check-In, make sure to Inform your clinician about any changes in: 

Significant life events 

Medications 

Sleep patterns: 

Trouble falling asleep 

Trouble staying asleep 

Quality of sleep - “are you wake up feeling rested? 

Drastic food shifts/diets 

Period/PMS/Hot flashes 

Substance use 

Your head/scalp/hair will be touched to set up system 

Ears will be cleaned and a clip will be placed on 1 or both ears (with a sticky paste) 

1 or 2 points on the head will be: 

Cleaned with a special gel 

A special sticky paste will be used to attach an electrode to your scalp 

A systems check on the technology will be done to make sure the ‘signal’ is good and not too much interference (from hair, grease, technology issues, etc..) 

Once set-up, you will watch a video (or listen to music if eyes closed) for the training - These sessions range from 5 minutes - 30 minutes 

At end: The electrodes will be removed, and your head and ears will be cleaned with warm water  

**NOTE: The electrodes are simply reading the naturally occurring electrical signals on your head. No electricity will be inputted into you** 

 

Post-Session:  

Keep track of any noticeable shifts 

Headaches can occur- if you get a headache, let your clinician know next time you come in 

Drink plenty of water 

If tired and able, take a nap (20 min or 1.5 hours). Sleep is how the brain integrates new information. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is EEG & QEEG? 

EEG:   There is naturally occurring electrical activity within the skull due to interactions and activation of neurons within the brain.  Electroencephalograms (EEG’s) read this electrical activity on/around the head and reflect the activity of groups of neurons (who are firing together).

QEEG: Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG), is when 19-points throughout the scalp are looked at & statistically analyzed to determine the loudest, softest, fastest, and slowest activity at each point.  From there, the entire brain is looked at to see overall imbalances. This ‘brain map’ is then compared to the person’s symptoms, in order to come up with the correct protocols for neurofeedback training. 

Is Neurofeedback covered by OHP? Yes!

Can I get Neurofeedback if I have a therapist somewhere else? Yes, you can see our Neurofeedback providers AND your primary therapist. Please let us know at intake so we can coordinate care.