Neurofeedback is a technique that works with quantified electroencephalography. Our neurons communicate with each other by nerve impulses that are translated into measurable electrical activity.
Neurofeedback consists in learning to modify this electrical activity of the brain. With time (different number of sessions depending on each case) and with practice, the person learns to control and maintain this new level of functioning until it becomes permanent and involuntary.
To measure this electrical activity (brain waves), electrodes are placed on the scalp in different brain areas (specific to the particular conditions of each person) and the information is processed by computer programs, extracting the key information. The brain wave activity is eventually “adjusted” towards the desired performance.
Therapeutic applications of Neurofeedback
Its usefulness has been demonstrated in various pathologies:
– Behavioral disorders: impulsivity, aggressiveness, addictions….
– Learning disorders: maturational delay, dyslexia, speech delay.
– Pervasive developmental disorders: autism, cerebral palsy, etc.
– Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
– Sleep disorders: insomnia, bruxism, somniloquy and nightmares.
– Mood disorders: Depression, anxiety…
– Migraine headaches, bipolar disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, epilepsy, fibromyalgia…
– Improves brain functions as the person ages: dementia, memory, improved attention.
– Tics, tourette syndrome, parkinson.
– Epilepsy.
Anyone can do it since almost all brains regardless of their level of functioning can be trained to function better. The results are satisfactory in 80% of the cases. The time is different in each case with a minimum of ten sessions.