FAQ
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Here we answer the most frequently asked questions. Contact us for more information
We can help with a variety of issues such as stress, burnout, improving and maintaining high performance, mental and cardiovascular health, fear, post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares, flashbacks, sleep problems, irritability, anger, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, concentration problems, addiction (alcohol and / or drugs), pain, migraine, hypertension, anxiety, depression, fatigue, tension , mind-body balance, self-esteem, decision-making and mental concentration.
Neurofeedback is a comprehensive training system that promotes growth and change at the brain cellular level. It takes science out of the lab and into the hands of healthcare professionals. Neurofeedback is the answer of technology to psychotherapy, cognitive rehabilitation and brain malfunction; It has been successfully applied in the treatment of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, addictions, and unresolved emotional problems. It is an effective treatment for early childhood disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), Reactive Attachment Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder, Learning Disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Neurofeedback providers also offer high-performance training for business executives, athletes, artists, and many others. ” Source: Jhon N. Demos. “Getting started with Neurofeedback”
Our core values are responsibility, sustainability and innovation. We offer a responsible, safe, non-invasive and innovative solution, without medication and with long-lasting effects, that sustainably improves conditions such as ADHD, depression and chronic pain. We use the latest technology to improve diagnosis and choose the most appropriate therapy. This allows us to tailor the treatment to the personal needs of the patient. In the short term, neurofeedback seems expensive. In the long term, it is cheaper than drug treatments whose interruption means a return of symptoms.
We work with an interdisciplinary group of experienced professionals, psychoeducational programs and advanced technologies for the improvement and regulation of cognitive, emotional and behavioral functions. We begin with the identification of brain dysregulation and its associated emotional, cognitive, and behavioral manifestations. The basis of our system and procedure is the quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) or brain mapping, which provides us with information to design a personal method to train your brain. Brain mapping is used in conjunction with other diagnostic procedures and helps to support established or suspected diagnoses that provide us with evidence of training progress. We carry out personalized brain training, permanently monitoring and reporting the changes, making adjustments based on the monitored results. We deliver initial and final comparative reports. While most neurofeedback practices offer only 1-5 channels of training, Brain Training Center also uses 19-channel neurofeedback (also known as sLORETA Z-Score). This highly efficient form of neurofeedback trains up to 5,700 variables at a time. sLORETA analyzes the density of electrical currents measured on the surface of the scalp and uses sophisticated calculations based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to locate the origin of these currents in internal organs of the brain. This allows us to train many more areas of the brain than is normally possible with the surface EEG, resulting in a greater ability to create positive and lasting changes in your brain.
Biofeedback is a widely used method to teach voluntary control of various physiological functions, providing instantaneous “feedback” for variations in physiological activity (Schwartz & Andrasik, 2003) such as blood pressure, heart rate variability, wave frequency brain, temperature, muscle tension, etc. This method is so efficient and powerful that it was widely used in astronaut training. It is used in non-invasive treatments of various psychological and physiological problems. The method is very effective and quick-acting, which is an advantage over conventional methods (psychotherapy, counseling, etc.).
Neurofeedback, also called EEG Biofeedback, is based on brain electrical activity, the electroencephalogram or EEG; it is self-regulation training. It is simply biofeedback applied directly to the brain (eeginfo.com). Just as a stethoscope measures the heartbeat, neurofeedback measures brain patterns using small sensors located on the head. These data are translated into easily understood visual, auditory and tactile information, which will be fed back until the desired brain patterns are achieved.
Many brain problems are caused by irregular brain waves. Neurofeedback works because it does not target any condition or symptom. Corrects irregular brain waves and modifies timing patterns in the brain. This is accomplished through multiple training sessions, where the brain is retrained to do normal patterns. The result is an improvement in brain regulation, which then impacts a variety of symptoms.
Absolutely not! Neurofeedback is non-invasive, requires no medications, and does not produce any radiation like a CT scan does. The goal is to identify irregular brain wave patterns and make very subtle corrections. With multiple sessions, the brain will learn to self-regulate.
No. Your attention is only required for approximately 20 minutes per session. In fact, after several successful sessions, you may be able to start eliminating the medications you are taking (always, according to the approval and instructions of the doctor who prescribed the drug). Patients often come to us because they don’t want to start taking medications or because they are looking for options to stop taking them. Many of our patients have been able to achieve their goals using medications.
The Keto diet is a low-carbohydrate, gluten-free diet, similar to the Paleo diet and very close to the well-known Atkins diet.
The Keto diet is based on our evolution. Our ancestors did not eat refined carbohydrates with as much sugar as we eat today. Our bodies are not genetically adapted to these foods. The diet of our ancestors was based on meats, fats and small seeds (hunter-gatherer).
The body can work with two types of fuels. One is sugar from the carbohydrates we eat, which is what most people eat, bread, pasta, rice, potatoes. The other fuel is fat. The Keto diet is so low in carbohydrates that the body changes its fuel to mainly fats, for example natural foods like eggs, meat, avocado, butter, olive oil, nuts. The brain feeds on fat and sugar is no longer in the body. The liver converts fat into energy molecules called “ketos” which feed the brain. Ketosis (being fueled by fat) turns you into a fat burning machine. It’s perfect for losing weight without starving yourself, even when you’re sleeping; it cures you of many inflammatory conditions and fills you with energy.
Modern science proves that this diet works.
In the traditional view of health, we see health as the absence of symptoms or disease; but this is not the case. Most people are somewhere in between: they have the occasional “pain,” they don’t really feel well, but they don’t have a disease. This pain means that there is a partial loss of function; there is something that is supposed to be working, but not very well. A disease is the complete loss of function. Functional medicine focuses on finding the source of these “pains” or functional problems and recovering function.
Health is about signals, it is the ability to keep many signals working well; with enough nutrients, enough oxygen, enough resources to produce energy and re-produce signals, to have a nervous system that is in balance, in homeostasis. There is no medication that can cause more signals to be produced or completely repair the function; what the medication does is mask the symptoms. How can we keep this system in balance? Through proper nutrition, which is our body’s fuel.
Functional medicine is based on a holistic view of the person and focuses on finding and treating the cause of the symptoms. Do you have attention and concentration problems? Many health care professionals might assume that you have attention deficit, but these symptoms may be due to other causes, such as head trauma or even bowel dysfunction.
Before you start taking any medication, isn’t it better to find out what your body is really lacking? You could have a mineral deficiency, vitamin D deficiency or a hormone imbalance. Progesterone imbalances have been linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia and PMS. Balancing hormone levels has been found to alleviate these symptoms.
Why take a medication you don’t need?
Absolutely not! A brain mapping is simply a scan of the surface of your scalp that records electrical impulses called brain waves. We use conductive paste, but there are no shocks, no pain, no discomfort. All you do is sit in a comfortable chair while the exam is performed for 4 minutes with your eyes closed and 4 minutes with your eyes open. The computer does the rest.
Neurofeedback has existed since the 1950s. Only in the last decade, and with the advancement of computer technology, has Neurofeedback been able to move from the laboratory to a system that can be administered in an office setting.
Your brain produces four main types of brain waves: Beta, Alpha, Theta, and Delta. Beta is mostly active during your waking state, which is most of the day. Alpha has to do with your subconscious and is dominant during relaxed states when your eyes are closed but you are not asleep. Theta is briefly present during periods before falling asleep and before fully awakening. Delta is mainly active when you are asleep. All of these brain waves are equally important to your health and neurological disorders can be attributed to specific brain waves. For example, when you have brain irregularities caused by a head injury, your brain may have too much theta or frontal delta that occurs when you are supposed to be awake and alert. By retraining these abnormal patterns in the affected areas, symptoms can be improved or eliminated.
Each session usually lasts about 30 minutes. The duration of training (brain wave training) varies between patients. An effective therapy generally takes 30 to 40 sessions on average. Some patients, however, achieve results within 20 sessions, while others may require 60 sessions for the treatments to be effective. After reaching goals of symptom relief, quality of life improvement; An additional 5 to 10 sessions are often performed to help consolidate the benefits of neurofeedback training.
Neurofeedback sessions consist of relaxing for about 20 minutes in a comfortable chair while watching a movie or listening to the music of your choice. Visual and auditory signals are used to teach your brain to function within a healthy range. The cap is first put on with its 19 sensors built into it. A conductive gel is introduced to each sensor, which helps to accurately measure brain waves during the session. When the computer detects irregular patterns, it triggers a response from the software that stops or fades the video and varies the music. This response will automatically teach your brain to focus more, causing your brain waves to return to normal ranges. During the times when desired brain wave patterns are detected, a software response is triggered that provides a reward tone and allows music or video to play normally. This feedback will make you focus more, training your brain waves to stay in normal ranges. By repeating this process over multiple sessions, your brain can learn to stay within healthy ranges on its own without the need for neurofeedback.
Regardless of the reason you came to our office, it is important to understand the difference between symptoms and their cause. As your training progresses, you will have good days and bad days, it is normal. You will be happier and get the best results if you understand that this is a process designed for you to perform at your ideal level and take you on the path to Wellbeing. Stay focused on this so that you are satisfied with your results and can enjoy the ride. The time to see results varies from one person to another according to many factors, such as health, exercise, stress, diet, the time it has been with the condition and the degree of severity that is given to each patient before starting training. Some feel different within a couple of sessions, while in more critical conditions it takes 20-30 sessions to see noticeable results. It is important not to get impatient or judge improvements (or lack thereof) from day to day. The type of neurofeedback training that we offer is permanent. Neurofeedback helps improve functions such as concentration, short-term memory, speech, motor skills, sleep, energy level, and emotional balance.
Long-term follow-ups have been performed on many patients over the years. Dr. Joel Lubar of the University of Tennessee has followed ADD patients who have maintained their neurofeedback improvements for 10-20 years. Published research on epilepsy 12 months after brain training shows that the effects on epilepsy are generally sustained.
Yes, you can start neurofeedback treatment while taking your medications. As you progress, your doctor might suggest that you slowly reduce or eliminate certain medications related to the condition you are treating. Since each patient is unique, the decision to reduce medication will be up to your doctor. More research is needed on this, but one theory states that the same dose appears to have a stronger effect on a more efficient brain.
If used improperly, problems may appear. It all depends on training and proper use. Fortunately, each session is designed to create small changes in brain wave activity, which means that problems can be detected and corrected before they get bigger. Our center has extensive training on this equipment and can change protocols as needed if negative effects are observed.
Recent research suggests that individuals with ADD / ADHD tend to have high theta brain wave activity and low levels of beta brain wave activity. Symptoms are generally reduced when brain activity is changed. Neurofeedback is commonly used as a complementary or alternative treatment to medication and behavior management.
Neurofeedback has been around for decades. To date there are thousands of studies and more are published every day. The International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (ISNR) has a comprehensive bibliography on all neurofeedback-related research for a variety of diseases. Follow the link for more information: research infos
Your doctor may not be aware of this specific type of biofeedback. It is normal to maintain a healthy skepticism about any new approach that claims these kinds of benefits in all disorders. Ask your doctor to review recent research on the effectiveness of neurofeedback. A complete bibliography of scientific research can be found at the sites listed below:
ISNR.org Research Articles by Tomas Ros, neuroscientist and neurofeedback expert
Expert Questions and Answers Related to Neurofeedback
There is an insurance code for Neurofeedback or “EEG Biofeedback”. There are also codes to combine psychotherapy with bio- and neurofeedback. However, coverage of chronic mental health problems is rarely sufficient. Therefore, you should advocate with your insurance company to obtain reimbursement. If it is not a chronic condition, you should contact your doctor.
Stress is the consequence of the lack of adaptation to change. It is experienced as patterns of psychological and physical symptoms, such as irritability, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, anger, loss of sense of humor, exhaustion, inability to complete one task before starting another, feeling under pressure and being on target. from others, inability to cope, lack of interest in what one is doing, continuous exhaustion, loss of appetite or constant desire to eat, heartburn, digestive problems (constipation or diarrhea), sweating for no reason, nervous spasms, biting nails, headaches or migraines, fainting spells, eczema, loss of sexual desire, shortness of breath, etc.