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Neurobiofeedback
Neurobiofeedback has recently been found to be effective as an adjunct therapy to relieve some symptoms of traumatic brain injury. It appears to be effective for up to 11 years after starting therapy. This is the time when spontaneous remission is no longer possible. It is also called neurofeedback or Neurotherapy. It makes use of real-time EEG readings to help the patient learn about self-regulation of other body functions. Sensors are placed on the scalp that measures brain wave activity; these display the different types of brain activity on a video screen.
Helps with Other Conditions- Aggression
- Autism
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Stroke
- Tourette Syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury
Nontraditional Treatment
Neurobiofeedback is considered a nontraditional treatment for the above conditions, especially for autism. In some cases, it is deemed to be experimental. On the whole, it is felt that the available research on neurofeedback is of low quality and limited. The best studies have shown limited effectiveness. On the other hand, it is completely safe, and no adverse effects have been noted using this technique.
Similar to BiofeedbackFrom research on neurobiofeedback, it has been noted that many people have too many theta or slow waves and not enough fast beta wave activity that has been associated with mental focus. Those techniques that increase theta waves also increase the autistic child’s mental focus. Patients control brainwave activity because they can actually see them and modify them on the screen. In this way, it is similar to biofeedback because they can change bodily functions by just monitoring them on the screen. It can also be associated with a video game, so it is more interesting and sustainable, especially with children.
Non-Medical TreatmentsIt has been used with professional musicians, who have used alpha-theta brain training to enhance musicality, techniques, and communication. It also improves singing in children, ballroom dancing, and contemporary dancers. It increases creativity and cognition. These are considered some of the non-medical treatments for neurobiofeedback, but when used for brain-injured patients, things like creativity, cognition, and motion may be helpful for brain trauma. Studies in these kinds of patients have largely not been randomized, controlled and double-blind studies and these need to be accomplished to show the efficacy of this type of therapy.
Not for EveryoneIt is a technique that clearly does not work for every person so you should do a trial with a qualified therapist who understands this technique. They can usually tell whether or not a person will respond to the therapy. There is one exception though. Almost all patients who have traumatic brain injury will have some positive effect from this therapy. Neurobiofeedback should be done for at least ten sessions in order to decide if the therapy will be effective. A complete course of biofeedback takes between 25 and 100 sessions. The benefits appear to be long term. By challenging the brain, you are able to help your brain function in better ways.
Watch YouTube Video: Neurobiofeedback. In the video below, Dr. Malphrus explains how the Neurobiofeedback program works.
Sacramento Traumatic Brain Injury LawyersI'm Ed Smith, a traumatic brain injury lawyer in Sacramento. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident, call me for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
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Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 1.13.21]
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