Neurofeedback uses real-time digital technology to measure electrical activity of the brain (EEG) and present this information in a form that enables the individual to perceive changes in the state of the brain and learn to modify abnormal EEG patterns.
Neurofeedback "meets the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry ‘Clinical Guidelines’ for treatment of ADHD, seizure disorders, anxiety (eg, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, phobias), depression, reading disabilities, and addictive disorders. This finding suggests that (neurofeedback) always should be considered as an intervention for these disorders by the clinician….Specific recommendations based on the body of empirical evidence currently available suggest that (neurofeedback) be considered by clinicians and parents as a first line treatment of ADHD when parents prefer not to use medication and as an empirically supported treatment choice when significant side effects or insufficient improvement occurs with medication.
Hershberg, et al. (2005) Emerging brain-based interventions for children and adolescents: Overview and clinical perspective. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Vol. 14, pp.1-19.
What is EEG Neurotherapy?
The brain sends and receives messages to and from the body through electrical impulses transmitted through the central nervous system. When the brain is physically injured or psychologically traumatized, these electrical impulses, or brain waves, are disturbed creating abnormal rhythmic patterns of activity and imbalances in the chemistry of the brain itself. Moreover, when the brain continues to transmit these abnormal patterns, imbalances are created in the delicate neurochemical, hormonal and immunological systems and the complex motor and sensory systems of the body.
Such dysregulation can result in numerous physiological problems and unpleasant symptoms. Just as somatic biofeedback therapy can be used to assist dysregulated body functions to return to their proper balance, so neurotherapy can assist the brain in regaining normal balance and function.
Neurotherapy (NT) refers to the application of a number of related brain wave modification technologies to the amelioration of various psychological and physiological disorders that appear to be related to changes in central nervous system functioning.
The various types of neurotherapy currently available provide drug-free alternative treatments for many brain-related disorders such as anxiety disorders, attention-deficit disorder, autistic spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, cognitive dysfunction following mild-moderate brain injury, depression, hyperactivity, learning disabilities, movement disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and seizure disorders, to name a few. Neurotherapies can also be used to increase peak performance in academics, atheletes, executives, etc.
Six basic technologies are currently in use under the general term “neurotherapy”...
1) EEG Biofeedback
2) EEG-Driven Stimulation (EDS)
3) Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE) devices
4) Cranial Electro-Stimulation (CES) devices
5) Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation (tDCS)
6) Hemoencephalographic Biofeedback (HEG)
Although not as well-researched at this point as EEG biofeedback, other forms of EEG neurotherapy have also been found clinically effective in the treatment of many brain-based disorders.
Dr. Horst Mueller has access to a number of different EEG neurotherapy systems— including EEG biofeedback, EEG-Driven Stimulation, Audio-Visual Entrainment, Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation, Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation, Hemoencephalographic Biofeedback— that can be effectively used to train individuals to better control their brain wave patterns, modify local cortical blood perfusion, or modify neuronal excitability to reduce or ameliorate brain dysfunction.
