Asheville Neurofeedback

Neurofeedback, also referred to as EEG Biofeedback or Neurotherapy, is a state-of-the-art, therapeutic training tool that can be used to improve a variety of health conditions or increase personal potential.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to monitor brain wave activity and “feedback” information to the brain about its activity. A Neurofeedback professional provides the necessary instruction and interpretation to encourage the brain to function within a more appropriate pattern level. This involves increasing or decreasing certain brain wave frequency activities at certain locations. In effect, the brain learns to function with greater control and stability through self-regulation.

To function, the brain must actively maintain its bio-electrical state across all behaviorally relevant timescales. Neurofeedback is brain exercise directed at fundamental brain regulatory mechanisms of these states.

Neurofeedback is a technique in which we train the brain to help improve its ability to regulate itself. When the brain is not functioning well, evidence of this often shows up in the EEG. By challenging the brain wave, much as you challenge your body in physical exercise, we can help your brain learn to function better.

A better functioning brain can improve sleep patterns. When you sleep more efficiently, you are more alert during the day. It can help with anxiety and depression, and with syndromes like migraine or chronic pain.

EEG Neurofeedback has received a lot of media attention in recent years. Newspaper and magazine articles, as well as television reports, have cited cases where EEG Neurofeedback has helped people with serious and debilitating neurological problems when no other therapies seem to work.

Neurofeedback can be helpful in managing attention -- how well you can persist even at a boring task. It can help you manage the emotions. Emotions may feel like the real you, but your brain has a lot to say about how you feel and react. If the emotions are out of control, that's trainable. If they aren't there -- as in lack of empathy, for example -- that, too, is trainable.

We utilize state-of-the-art computer-assisted brain wave monitoring and feedback equipment and state-of-the-art EEG Biofeedback (Neurofeedback) methodology. An initial interview is conducted, during which a developmental history and a description of symptoms is obtained, and computerized tests of attention are administered. This can be completed in one session lasting about 2 hours. Subsequent training sessions require approximately 45 minutes start to finish, and are conducted ideally two to three times per week. Some improvement is generally seen within about ten sessions. The entire training regimen typically takes anywhere from twenty to forty sessions, but varies depending upon individual circumstances.

The Effects

Gradually, the brain responds to the cues that it is being given, and a "learning" of new brain wave patterns takes place. The new pattern is one that is closer to what is normally observed in individuals without disabilities. In the case of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, impulsivity, distractibility and hyperactivity all tend to respond to the training. This tends to lead to much more successful school performance.

The beneficial effects of EEG Biofeedback (Neurofeedback) Training are thought to be permanent. As brain wave training is actually a form of learning, once a person has learned how to control his brain wave patterns, he always knows how to do so. Brain wave training does not cause any discomfort, and it is not accompanied by negative side effects. The feedback simply reflects information about the brain, like a mirror. People tend to find the training experience to be quite pleasant.

How Do We Do Neurofeedback?

As your brain works, the neurons send tiny electrical impulses back and forth. These impulses come and go, usually in a regular and orderly manner. Neurofeedback equipment senses these impulses as brainwaves. Specific ranges of brainwave frequencies naturally occur while you are in certain states of mind. Some frequencies occur when you are sleepy, others when you are concentrating on something, still others when you are angry, and so on.

Studies have shown that in certain people who have ADD/HD there might be too much irregular brainwave, often too much low band frequency which is associated with lack of focus, or daydreaming, and not enough Beta, which is what the brain produces when we stay on task and are focused.

First we measure your brain waves by using sensors on your head (this is held in place by a paste similar to tooth paste, no pain or discomfort) and ear clips. Then, we set the parameters for you to improve your brain function based on our reading.

You sit in front of a computer and play a video game or watch a DVD. But the only way you can make the game advance or keep the picture clear is by using the correct brain waves! Since the brain is reward-seeking, you figure out quickly how to make the right brainwaves. Over time your brain waves are normalized based on your age and gender. This ability to produce the correct brainwaves in sequence is assimilated into daily functions without the person even being aware of it. It is a learned behavior, which spreads to all spectrums of one's life with positive influence.

What are the clinical applications?
Conditions that may benefit from EEG Neurofeedback training include: Addiction, anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD), autoimmune dysfunctions, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), attachment disorder, behavior disorders, seizure disorders, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Tourettes syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, chronic pain, headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, stress and sleep disorders, learning disorders, anger disorders, sports injuries, and many others. EEG Neurofeedback can be equally effective when used to improve personal performance, such as in developing memory skills, focusing abilities, increasing concentration, and much more.