Neurofeedback Training For Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain injuries can be caused in many different ways. Whether they are diagnosed or not can depend on how severe they are, where they happen, who is around when they happen, and whether the injured person seeks medical care. Some of the sources of brain injuries include car accidents, sports injuries, slip and falls, physical fights and assaults among other things. When the brain is injured the electrical activity and function of the brain is affected. Neurofeedback training is a way to help to normalize the electrical activity of the brain which in turn helps improve function.
Some of the problems that may develop with a head injury include problems with memory, difficulty focusing, anger, and diminished self-control. Some of these problems are similar to what normal teenagers struggle with. This is often attributed to incomplete development of the front of the brain.
Interestingly, many people who suffer these symptoms also show abnormal EEG when tested with neurofeedback equipment. One of the patterns that is common is high amplitude delta and theta in the frontal areas of the brain. This seems to interfere with normal functioning and can be part of the cause of some of the symptoms. By using neurofeedback equipment to measure and feedback EEG information on a computer screen clients can learn to regulate their brain activity. After a series of training the EEG is often normalized and symptoms decreased.
Besides rest, there are relatively few effective treatments for brain injury. Neurofeedback training seems to be a good non-invasive therapy for brain injury.
How does it work? Sensors are placed on the patient’s head. These sensors measure the electrical activity that is produced by the brain as it transmits signals across neurons. The electrical signal is separated into the different frequencies which include Delta, Theta, Alpha, SMR (Sensory Motor Rhythm), Beta, and Gamma. The signals are displayed on a computer screen. Goals are set for each frequency that we want to reduce or increase. Visual and or auditory feedback is presented when the goals are met that signal the brain that it is producing the desired pattern. In the case of brain injury when there is excess delta and theta activity the feedback would be given when the power in these frequency ranges decreases. Over time this tends to improve the symptoms. Depending on the type of protocol, frequency of sessions, and the individual anywhere from 10 to 40 or more sessions of neurofeedback training might be needed to achieve lasting results.
Increasing numbers of medical and mental healthcare providers are beginning to offer this as a service to their clients.
Harry L. Campbell
President, Biofeedback Resources International Corp.
Author of What Stress Can Do, Available on Amazon.com
