Neurofeedback

Introduction
Neurofeedback is a technology that's been in practice for several decades. Although it is rather alternative, it has a lot of research showing effects. This article will present the research as well as the protocols currently in practice to treat the myriad conditions that Neurofeedback has been proven effective for.

I have been fond of this technology for quite some time as it bestows the power on the individual rather than creating a dependency. In addition, it does it in a manner that is easy to use. The picture in the beginning shows a usual session and what the interface may look like.


Methodology
Neurofeedback works by hooking up the patient with several electrodes on different areas on the scalp. These electrodes receive the electrical frequencies currently being produced in the respective areas and register them among the norms. Once the information is gathered, it is analyzed by the computer and presented in the form of a game, for instance Pac-Man. The game produces a desirable outcome, such as Pac-Man eating the pellets, if the individual produces the desired brainwaves. This technique is effective for conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Epilepsy, and several others.^[1] It is most frequently used with ADHD due to the common view that it is caused by an abudance of Alpha/Theta waves and a lack of SMR and beta waves.^[1]

Protocols -
SMR -
Alpha and theta waves are bands of brainwaves characterized by daydreaming, creativity, lack of focus, and internal perception. Although these characteristics are valuable, in our current day in age, it is also important to be aware of your surrounding and the information being presented to you, especially in an academic setting. For this cause, SMR waves are used as the protocol. These brainwaves are associated with a sense of relaxed attention, characterized by increased memory and learning abilities^[2]. This method is the most common among ADHD Neurofeedback because of its effectiveness^[1]. By teaching the individual how to produce these brainwaves, the individual learns how to produce states of consciousness associated with learning and relaxed focus.^[3]

Alpha-
Alpha is a brainwave associated with relaxation, creativity, and a sense of well being. In addition, it can be used to treat depression. This protocol isn't typically used relative to the SMR protocol.


Research

"This study allowed participants to "shape their own brain activity" by directly modifying certain electroencephalographic (EEG) activities. Findings support the theory that an increase in relaxation and a decrease in muscle tension might lead to less movement during sleep and thereby augment the restorative and learning enhancement benefits of sleep. Significant changes in SMR amplitude from early to late conditioning sessions confirmed the success of ISC. EEG changes transferred into sleep and improved immediate memory retrieval after learning. The study's 27 participants were able to fall asleep faster (decrease in "sleep onset latency") and increase memory performance after two weeks of ISC."^[2]

"This study presents a clinical treatment regime for pathological interhemispheric dysfunction with respect to a population of learning disabled boys. The results obtained replicate and extend earlier findings with respect to operantly conditioned increases in amplitude of sensorimotor transactions and its positive effect on learning disability. Specifically, the biofeedback, and subsequent conditioning, of increased 14 Hz neural discharge patterns (sensorimotor rhythm-SMR) over the central Rolandic cortex, appeared to increase bilateral sensorimotor transactions resulting in substantive reduction/remediation in the learning disabilities of the recipients of such EEG biofeedback training."^[3]

Warning
It is important to know that both the software and the hardware are available for purchase on the internet. This fact makes it possible for fake practitioners to have all the necessary equipment without the necessary knowledge. Although most of the protocols are built into the software, it is preferable to have someone who is reliable. In addition, the required licensing for practicing this technology does not require a doctorate or medical degree, for that cause it is also important to learn who the practitioner is, and stick with those with several years of experience as well as a reputable academic degree.

References
A Symphony in the Brain: The Evolution of the New Brain Wave Biofeedback

^[1] Wikipedia Entry: Neurofeedback

^[2] Learning to shape your brain activity: Unique study is the first to successfully use instrumental sensorimotor rhythm conditioning in a healthy human population to enhance sleep spindles, decrease sleep onset latency and increase memory performance

^[3] EEG sensorimotor rhythm biofeedback training: some effects on the neurologic precursors of learning disabilities.