What is Neurotherapy?

Neurotherapy has been used as a treatment modality to help patients understand and overcome symptoms associated with “other than normal” brain wave activity and patterns. In the late 1960’s and 70’s it was learned that it is possible to recondition and retrain brainwave patterns using EEG and bio and neurofeedback. We combine traditional counseling/ therapy with neuro and biofeedback and neuromodulation to ensure patients have a comprehensive treatment protocol. In many cases, we also add hyperbaric oxygen therapy when the QEEG, patient history and initial intake dictates a need.

Brainwaves occur at different frequencies. Some are fast and some are slow. The most commonly known brainwave bands are delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma. They are measured in cycles per second or hertz (Hz). Using QEEG, a trained neurotherapist is able to collect data through use of a cap that contains nodes that track the brain waves and patterns. This raw data is then compared to a normative database (which means a database of data from people in the same age group that have “normal” brainwave patterns).  That comparison results in a very personalized, detailed report that explains just what is occurring in the patient’s brain, along with a customized, scientifically-developed, neurotherapy protocol to help retrain the brain and alleviate associated symptoms.

Neurotherapy must be conducted by a qualified, trained professional well-versed in proper use of all equipment, proper intepretation of raw data, and a licensed in conducting therapy.

More about QEEG.

Quantitative EEG is an electrical measurement, quantification and analysis of brainwaves. This brain mapping involves placing a cap with electrodes on the head. Your provider will use gel on your head to ensure the connection to the nodes is adequate. You may take a shower at our facility afterward, should you wish, but most people just put their hair up afterward or throw on a hat! These electrodes pick up microvolts of electrical potentials generated by the brain, which show up like squiggly lines on a chart.

This raw data that is collected is then run through software and interpreted by our neurotherapist, as mentioned above.  The customized, personalized report is developed and reviewed with you by the neurotherapist.

From there a strategy and plan for training is developed.

For patients who are going through hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), we will conduct a post therapy QEEG to demonstrate the actual changes in brain activity because of HBOT.

More about neurofeedback.

Neurofeedback is commonly called ‘brain training”. It consists of wearing a cap on your head with electrodes that pick up the electrical activity in your brain.  Based on your QEEG, the full report and the subsequent recommended training protocol by our qualified providers, you receive neurofeedback in sessions that typically last between 10-20 minutes. During the process, you’ll be watching a screen and listening to different sounds/ tones. You will be receiving queues from your neurotherapist, who will be sitting with you, closely monitoring your activity on the screen.

Neurofeedback is painless, safe and effective. Patients sometimes report being a little tired after a session; afterall, neurofeedback is like a work-out for your brain!

More about neuromodulation

Neuromodulation is also known as neurostimulation. Neuromodulation is comprised of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) and pulsed electro-magnetic field stimulation (pEMF). We use neuromodulation after carefully analyzing the QEEG in order to provide the brain what the QEEG shows it’s lacking so that we can help restore balance.

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) allows us to choose the exact rhythm of stimulation we provide and to precisely target the best location.

For example: if someone has a deficiency in deep Delta brainwaves and thus trouble sleeping, we can provide a “Delta rhythm” in to increase the power of this deep sleep frequency in their brain. After the first treatment, patients often have a long and restful night’s sleep. After several weeks, intensive therapy can taper as the newly learned process is solidified.