The brain produces electrical patterns—beta, alpha, theta and delta, that can be detected and recorded. These patterns, or brainwaves, differ in function from beta waves, which are present when we are engaged in mental activity or are being productive, to delta waves, which occur during dreamless sleep.

Brainwave patterns that appear at inappropriate times or places in the brain can interfere with cognitive, emotional and even motor functioning. The science of neurofeedback has developed to treat such dysfunctions. It is based on the simple premise that if we know what our brainwaves are doing, our brain can use the information to correct how it works.

Neurofeedback measures brainwaves to produce a video or sound signal to teach self-regulation of brain function. It gives positive feedback for desired brain activity and negative feedback for undesirable activity. The goal is to transform an unhealthy, dysregulated brainwave pattern into a normal, healthy, organized pattern.

Neurofeedback is noninvasive and is considered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be safe. In fact, it has never produced a serious side effect since it was first discovered more than 40 years ago, and since then has been used to treat the symptoms of brainwave dysregulation. Studies have demonstrated that a wide range of neurological conditions, including addictions, ADD/ADHD, insomnia, panic attacks, memory loss, autism, Asperger syndrome, post-stoke, PTSD, headaches, migraines, fibromyalgia, traumatic brain injury, anxiety disorders and learning disorders are associated with brainwave dysregulation.

BrainCore Therapy Neurofeedback begins with a quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) evaluation, designed to objectively and scientifically evaluate a person’s brainwave patterns. The procedure uses a snug head cap embedded within 12 small sensors that measure and record the electrical activity of brainwaves.

The data from the QEEG is compared to a large, sophisticated database and a report is generated. This assessment allows the doctor to objectively determine whether a client’s brainwave patterns are different than normal and provides neurofeedback training protocols for training sessions.

During the treatment, an individual is hooked up to a computer and information about their brainwaves is displayed on a monitor. Computer software detects whether the brainwaves are properly ordered and feeds that information back to the patient in the form of a game, movie or sound.

For example, imagine the patient is watching a video of a puzzle being filled in piece by piece. As long as the patient’s brain waves are moving in an orderly direction, the puzzle pieces are filled in properly. If the patterns move from an orderly configuration, the puzzle stops. The patient is actually controlling the completion of the puzzle with brainwaves. By doing so, the patient’s brain is learning how to regulate itself.

Just as weightlifting can build muscle strength and jogging can improve cardiovascular fitness, neurofeedback can naturally train the brain to have more control of its brainwaves.

Dr. Shawna Hogan is a doctor of chiropractic at Regatta Chiropractic and Laser Center. For more information about BrainCore Neurofeedback Therapy or to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Hogan, call Regatta Chiropractic and Laser Center at 850-424-7856.