Neurofeedback regulates and stabilises brain activity, so it can be used successfully to treat a range of symptoms and conditions associated with brain de-regulation. It works by providing high quality feedback directly to the brain allowing it to use its self-regulating mechanism to learn how to work better.
We measure brain activity by observing tiny electrical signals (known as brain waves) to assess how well the brain is performing. The technical name for this is electroencephalography, or EEG.
The sensors we attach to your scalp are simply there to listen to the brain; there is no stimulation or signal transmitted by the equipment: it can be thought of simply as a kind of ‘stethoscope’ to listen to the brainwaves. The brain does all the real work, adapting in response to the feedback.
Sophisticated computer technology assesses these raw brainwaves and that data is used to provide direct feedback to the brain on how well it is functioning, using video software.
You simply have to relax and watch a DVD or play a specially designed game into which the Neurofeedback information is cleverly incorporated.
What Clinical Conditions Can Be Improved with Neurofeedback ?
Neurofeedback regulates and stabilises brain activity, so it can be used successfully to treat a range of symptoms and conditions associated with brain de-regulation.
Neurofeedback has been used for many years to help with symptoms of the following physiological and mental health conditions:
- Alcohol Abuse – to learn more click here
- Anger – to learn more click here
- Anxiety – to learn more click here
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder – to learn more click here
- Autistic Spectrum Disorders – to learn more click here
- Brain Injury – to learn more click here
- ‘Chemo Brain’ (Post Cancer Cognitive Impairment) – to learn more click here
- Dementia – to learn more click here
- Depression – to learn more click here
- Post Natal Depression – to learn more click here
- Down syndrome – to learn more click here
- Eating Disorders – to learn more click here
- Epilepsy – to learn more click here
- Fibromyalgia – to learn more click here
- Migraine – to learn more click here
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – to learn more click here
- Parkinson’s Disease – to learn more click here
- Pre-Menstrual syndrome (PMS) & Menopause – to learn more click here
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – to learn more click here
- Sleep Disturbances – to learn more click here
- Smoking – to learn more click here
- Stress – to learn more click here
- Tinnitus – to learn more click here
- Tourette’s syndrome – to learn more click here
- Vertigo – to learn more click here
Peak Perfomance – sport and business performance click here
21st century Neurofeedback : Infra Low Frequency
Our latest approach combines QEEG-Informed NF and Infra Low Frequency NF and is unique to BrainTrainUK.
Unlike earlier forms of Neurofeedback, this method, known as Infra Low Frequency Neurofeedback (ILF), is entirely endogenous (from within), which means any change comes from within the brain itself, we do not direct the brain to go one way or another.
It is by using the inherent power of this most complex structure in the universe, at a sub-conscious level, that makes ILF Neurofeedback so powerful and also the reason why it works so well with young children who cannot take direction, as no conscious activity is necessary.
Neurofeedback works by ‘holding a mirror up to the brain’ to give it feedback on how well it is working. In this way the brain can literally be ‘trained’ to work better. The idea that the brain can change comes from neuroplasticity; it is now accepted by science that not only can the brain change over time, but that this is an essential part of the process of human evolution.
The learning method comes from the concept of ‘classical conditioning’, discovered many years ago, that unconscious behaviour can be learned by rewarding it. The feedback is delivered to the brain via the eyes and ears through video.
As the client relaxes, the brain ‘tunes in’ to this feedback and adjusts in response. It is this positive reinforcement in the form of sensory feedback that trains the brain to correct any irregular behaviour it may have been exhibiting.
The good news is the client does not have to think, this all happens subconsciously – so the treatment works for very young children as well as adults. The patient just needs to relax and let the brain use its own ability to self-regulate. Obtaining information directly from the brain and providing feedback straight back via the senses, in real time, is what makes Neurofeedback unique and so successful.
More on ILF – Infra Low Frequency
ILF is the latest generation of Neurofeedback and takes the capability of Neurofeedback beyond the so-called ‘deep-brain training’ of LoRETA. The term ‘Infra-Low’ comes from the fact that the frequencies being rewarded are below 0.1Hz, well below the traditional Neurofeedback reward frequencies. Before these frequencies were identified through fMRI experiments they were not identified in the EEG, and are ignored by most modern forms of Neurofeedback.
Only available commercially since 2012, ILF is a modality of Neurofeedback in the category of ‘endogenous neuromodulation’, which means that any changes are solely due to information being provided to the brain on its own state. In other words, the training doesn’t encourage the brain to shift itself in any particular direction, it just gives information back to the brain, an analogy is showing the brain itself in a ‘mirror”, often for the first time.
ILF Neurofeedback reaches deep into the hierarchy of nervous system regulation, providing feedback on the brain’s primary regulatory networks or resting state-networks, the core control networks of the nervous system. Initially the brain recognises its connection with the feedback signal, and then the signal becomes the object of control by the brain. A feedback loop has been established that allows the brain to enhance its own capacity for self-regulation. The brain’s natural development depends on similar feedback loops being established within the brain.
ILF Neurofeedback gives the brain more information, more directly, accelerating the learning process. By targeting the training sessions we can focus on particular functions or competencies we would like to improve.
If you would like to know more please visit: www.braintrainuk.com
