Neurofeedback
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive therapy that has risen in popularity. Many patients seek neurofeedback for anxiety and mood disorders, but neurofeedback can also be used to help healthy individuals maximize their cognitive efficiency. In this article, we’ll take a look at what neurofeedback therapy is, how it works, and what patients can expect during treatment.
At Aspire Regenerative, we’re proud to offer cutting edge treatments and innovative therapies to patients suffering from a range of conditions, as well as healthy individuals who want to maximize their overall health and performance. Interested in learning more about neurofeedback in San Diego? Book a consultation with one of our neurofeedback therapy San Diego practitioners to find out if this therapy is right for you. Our clinicians will develop a personalized care plan and make treatment recommendations based on your specific health and wellness goals.
What Is Neurofeedback?
EEG Neurofeedback, or Electroencephalogram Biofeedback, is a series of guided cognitive exercises aimed at teaching a patient’s brain how to naturally regulate its own activity for optimal function. Therapy begins with cognitive mapping and analysis that detects dysregulation within the patient’s brain waves. Once these suboptimal synapses are located, various exercises can be used to essentially train a patient’s brain to fire more efficiently. This helps patients develop mental coping skills and resiliency.
What Are the Benefits of Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback offers many benefits that can help patients as young as 18 months of age spanning throughout adulthood and all the way into a person’s 90’s. Because it has been found to improve mental clarity, memory, focus, concentration, and mood, many doctors recommend neurofeedback for depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. For healthy individuals, neurofeedback can be an effective way to optimize mental performance, improve athletic performance, and enhance one’s overall sense of calm and peace.
Studies have found that neurofeedback can aid patients coping with substance abuse when used in conjunction with pharmacotherapy. Researchers found that neurofeedback can decrease a patient’s desire to consume alcohol and use opiates, while also improving the overall mental health of those suffering from drug dependence.
Neurofeedback can also be used to help reduce symptoms of the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic Attacks
- Concussion
- Migraines
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Insomnia
- Eating Disorders
- Chronic Fatigue
- Hypersomnia
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Stroke
- Aneurysm
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Movement Disorders
- Seizure Conditions
- Stress-Related Conditions
- Age-Related Cognitive Decline
What Happens During Neurofeedback Therapy Sessions?
Each neurofeedback therapy session lasts about 60 minutes. This is a completely non-invasive therapy, so there is no preparation required beforehand, and patients can resume their normal activities immediately after their therapy sessions. At the beginning of each session, sensors or electrodes attached to a computer EEG program are placed on the patient’s scalp. EEG neurofeedback offers real-time brain wave monitoring and immediate feedback to your therapist.
During each 60 minute treatment, patients interact with a computer program that generates a series of graphics and musical phrases similar to a video game. By adjusting these interactive images and sounds, the program begins to correct dysregulation and helps improve patients’ cognitive function by teaching their brain to use more efficient brain wave patterns.
Typically, neurofeedback therapy consists of one or two sessions per week for 20 weeks. However, the total number of sessions required can range from 12 to 40 sessions and depends on what is being treated, as well as the severity of symptoms. For example, the number of neurofeedback ADHD therapy sessions is likely to differ from the number of sessions needed for healthy professional athletes seeking to finesse their performance capabilities.
Patients undergoing neurofeedback therapy may begin to notice results after just a few treatment sessions, but at least 12 sessions are needed for these results to have long lasting effects. Neurofeedback essentially teaches the brain to strengthen particular neural pathways. Similar to muscle strengthening, your brain will need to practice or repeat these exercises to obtain the best and most enduring results.
Are you looking for neurofeedback in San Diego? Book a consultation with Aspire Regenerative to find out how this therapy can help you personally.