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What Is Neurotherapy?
This is fundamental in the treatment of a variety of psychological and neurological conditions.
There are two distinct types of neurotherapy.
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This is often referred to as “brain training.”
Attention dysregulation:having trouble with attention and concentration, as well as periods ofhyperfocus.
Behavior dysregulation:difficulty controllingactivitylevels,impulses, andcompulsions.
Emotional dysregulation:difficulty controlling emotional responses in a healthy way.
A low response is also possible as in the case of anhedonia as a symptom of depression.
Motor system dysregulation:difficulty controlling motor movements, exhibiting symptoms like tremors,tics, and Parkinsonism.
Sensory dysregulation: inability to process sensory input effectively, causing people to feelover-stimulated or under-stimulatedby their environment.
Neurofeedback can be empowering to the individual who is suffering.
Advances in technology in recent years are making this treatment more individualized, and even portable.
Electrodes are placed strategically on the scalp to measure the electrical activity being produced.
Frequency is measured in waves per second or Hertz (Hz).
The brain exhibits different wave patterns for each state of arousal.
Brain Wave Patterns:
When the brain is dysregulated, irregular brain wave patterns show up.
Other researchers have discovered the malfunctioning neural connection between the frontal cortex and the amygdala in people with PTSD.
What Does a Neurofeedback Session Look Like?
This is completely painless.
It’s similar to the doctor using a stethoscope to listen to your heartbeat.
And just like your heart, your brain can have an arrhythmia.
Your therapist will guide you through some simple activities while the EEG records the electrical impulses in your brain.
The electrodes provide instant audio and visual feedback about your brain activity.
When it produces less desirable brainwave patterns, the screen dims.
It is amazing when someone learns they can control what they see on the computer screenthrough their mind.
A neurofeedback session typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes and usually involves 30 to 40 sessions.
Typically a low-voltage electric current or electromagnetic pulse will be administered.
More rarely, surgical procedures are involved.
Is Neurotherapy An Evidence-Based Treatment?
The underlying mechanism driving these individual differences should be explored and possibly identified prior to treatment.
While neurotherapy may help treat many conditions, there are also a few disadvantages associated with this approach.
They include:
Factors such as these can make neurotherapy less appealing than other treatment methods for some people.
How to Get Started
Your doctor may be able to refer you to a local neurotherapist.
If so, you may have to use a specific neurotherapy provider.
Doing a search for “neurotherapy near me” or “online neurotherapy” may offer additional results.
Find out which option is the best for you.
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