Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback Can Make the Difference

What Is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is direct training of brain function, by which the brain learns to function more efficiently. Dr. Sortino observes the brain in action from moment to moment, and shows that information back to the person. And also rewards the brain for changing its own activity to more appropriate patterns. This is a gradual learning process. It applies to any aspect of brain function that we can measure.

How Can Neurofeedback Help Your Child?

Neurofeedback is training in self-regulation. Good self-regulation is necessary for optimal brain function. Self-regulation training enhances the function of the central nervous system and thereby improves mental performance, emotional control and physiological stability.

With Neurofeedback we target bioelectrical functioning of the brain, which is actually a more important issue than the “chemical imbalance” that is often talked about. We are concerned with the brain’s internal regulatory networks and we train the brain’s internal regulatory networks and functional deregulation. Simply by detecting the brain going off track through the EEG, we can train the brain toward enhanced stability and improved functioning.

In other respects, Neurofeedback is somewhat like putting the brain on a stair stepper to exercise certain regulatory functions continuously. This is applicable to a wide variety of functional deficits.

Who Can Benefit?

Individuals of any age can benefit from EEG training. Neurofeedback can help a variety of learning issues such as an inability to focus, test anxiety and general weak school performance. For adults, neurofeedback can help maintain good brain function as they age. Peak performers (athletes) also use EEG training to enhance their abilities in sports, business and the arts. 

How Does Neurofeedback Work?

Sensors are attached to the scalp with EEG paste, which then picks up brain waves. It is painless and does not involve the application of any voltage or current to the brain, so it is entirely non-invasive.  

A computer processes the brain waves and extracts certain information from them. Neurofeedback will show you the ebb and flow of your brain waves and the specific information we obtain from them, in the form of a video game. Dr. Sortino will instruct you how to play the video game using only your brain waves. (Everyone can do it.) The specific brain wave frequencies that we reward and the sensor locations on the scalp are unique to each individual.

Medications are not the only way to manage your child’s inappropriate

or maladaptive behaviors.

Neurofeedback therapy is a safe, non-invasive, alternative option for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. In November 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics approved Neurofeedback and Biofeedback as a Level 1 or “best support” treatment option for children suffering from ADHD. Research suggests that Neurofeedback is an equally effective treatment to medication.

Children are typically given three doses of 10 mg Ritalin per day on school days. Neurofeedback training is shown to be a favorable option that provides the same results. For parents who prefer other options aside from medication, Neurofeedback is a non-invasive, safe, effective, and long-lasting treatment option. Typically, the child will participate in 10 to 20 sessions or more depending on severity of symptoms, and each session lasts 45 to 60 minutes.

Neurofeedback and Success!

Over the past twenty years, Nuerofeedback has reached the point of having very high expectations for success in training. When such success is not forthcoming, or if the gains cannot hold, then there is usually a deeper reason for that which needs to be pursued. Nearly everyone should make gains by using neurofeedback that they themselves would judge to be worthwhile. Our brains are made for learning and skill-acquisition.

“As neurofeedack establishes modulated arousal, people tend to become more goal- oriented and less tangential. Impulsive reactions to urgencies and crises give way to concentrated awareness of the truly relevant and important aspects of tasks, events, and people. There is a reduction in compulsive preoccupation and an enhanced integration of verbal and nonverbal messages.”

—R. Mark Steinberg & Dr.Siegfried Othmer ADD – The 20 Hour  Solution