EEG neurofeedback measures brain activity and provides real-time feedback to help treat anxiety, ADHD, depression, and other issues. Electrodes are placed on the scalp to collect data, which is used to design personalized therapy sessions that regulate brain function through video game-style interactions.
EEG neurofeedback is a measurement of brain activity used as a diagnostic tool, usually with the goal of checking brain function. The process involves using data gathered from real-time results provided by an electroencephalography machine. The results of EEG neurofeedback, often referred to as biofeedback, show how the brain responds to stimuli at any given moment, which, in turn, illustrates how patterns and habits develop. Neurofeedback therapy is used to help treat anxiety, attention deficit disorder, behavioral problems, depression, headaches and sleep problems. It has also been used to measure epileptic activity in the brain and address the causes of seizures.
Neurobiofeedback works by providing patients with rewarding feedback when desirable brain activity is detected. When unhealthy brain patterns are detected, neutral or otherwise different feedback is provided. This simple, subconscious process of positive reinforcement is the founding principle of EEG neurofeedback.
A typical biofeedback therapy session opens with a lengthy questionnaire in which the patient provides information about the issues being addressed, as well as any pertinent medical history. In some cases, the therapist may refer the patient to a doctor who specializes in the patient’s problem. If the therapist believes that an EEG might be a useful way to treat the patient’s problem, a comprehensive test of the brain activity measurement is conducted.
Fundamental data for EEG neurofeedback is collected by placing electrodes on about 20 different areas of the scalp. These electrodes draw a “brain map” of each area, recording the activity of each room. The maps are then entered into a database where the therapist can tell if the activity levels are normal for the patient’s gender and age. This process illuminates any unusual areas of activity and helps the therapist better pinpoint activity centers to monitor.
Another set of electrodes is then placed on the scalp and the EEG neurofeedback reading begins. The procedure is painless and takes about 10-30 minutes. After the EEG has recorded the brain activity, the therapist presents the results to the patient so that he can see how the brain is reacting from moment to moment.
Depending on the issues being addressed, EEG neurofeedback therapy can take up to 40 sessions. During these sessions, a patient is typically engaged in a personalized video game-style interaction that unconsciously controls and regulates the functioning of the brain. Based on the information gleaned from the initial EEG, a therapist can determine which areas of the brain are central to the problems the patient is experiencing and design follow-up interactions based on these findings.
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