Neurofeedback and Biofeedback

Neurofeedback has been used successfully to address a number of conditions.  They include Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disorders (LD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), anxiety, depression, Post-Truamatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD), and chronic pain from headaches and other conditions.

At Commonwealth Behavioral Healthcare, LLC, state-of-the-art techniques are used to address various psychophysiological disorders.  Only US Food and Drug Administration registered equipment and data bases are used in providing services to our patients.

Neurofeedback is a specific type of biofeedback, a learning technique using electroencephalography (EEG).  In neurofeedback sensors are placed on the scalp at specific places corresponding to various anatomic areas, using conductive gel.

Sensors are then connected to a neurofeedback amplifier and in-turn connected to a computer running software that analyzes the electrical signals produced by the brain.  Together, along with specific training protocols, the brain may be taught to perform more efficiently. 

The young man in the upper left is learning to lower the amplitude of his theta and hibeta waves (thus reducing distraction) so as to strengthen his ability to focus attention as needed.  He is playing a game of Pac-Man (BrainMan) using his brain only and at the same time improving attention.

A MINI-Q, which produces color maps representing the brain's electrical activity is sometimes performed in our office.  This technique, which gathers EEG information from 19 brain locations, provides additional information to guide the clinician in selection of training options. 



MINI-Q brain map #1 shown in the mid-upper left represents brain abnormalities seen in a patient who experienced a brain injury as a child.  Brain map #2 is of the same patient after  training sessions using single electrode protocols as well as 
4-channel Z-Score Neurofeedback techniques.

BIOFEEDBACK techniques use other types of sensors that measure peripheral (non-brain) activities such as heart rate, respiration, muscle tension, and skin conductance.  Peripheral biofeedback may be used to address such conditions as stress, high blood pressure, headaches and other types of chronic pain. 
         Brain Map #1      Brain Map # 2

When maps #1 and #2 are compared, it is clear there are many areas of lowed amplitude, as indicated by fewer "red" areas.  This is particularly important in the delta band, as indicated by "yellow" and "green" areas.